




C^ 




^ 



x 



MEMOIR OF JOHN CABPENTEE. 








^^ I 



MEMOIR 

OF 

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF 

JOHN CARPENTER, 

proton Clerk of bonbon 

TN THE REIGNS OF HENRY V. AND HENRY VI. 

AND FOUNDER OF 

THE CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL: 

WITH 

AN APPENDIX 

OF DOCUMENTS, AND PARTICULARS OF BENEFACTIONS 

TO THE SCHOOL. 

By THOMAS BREWER, 

SECRETARY OP THE SCHOOL. 



LONDON: 

PRINTED BY ARTHUR TAYLOR, 

COLEMAN STREET. 

1856. 



■ 1j C "^ 



f 5-4. 






,%»-, • • 



TO 

THE EIGHT HONOURABLE 

DAVID SALOMONS 

LORD MAYOR, 

A MUNIFICENT BENEFACTOR TO THE CITY OP LONDON SCHOOL: 
AND TO 

WARREN STORMES HALE, Esq., 

THE ORIGINATOR OF THE SCHOOL, AND CHAIRMAN OP THE 
COMMITTEE FOR MANAGING ITS AFFAIRS; 

THIS MEMOIR 

OF THE EMINENT CITIZEN 

WHOSE BENEFACTION FOEMED THE BASIS OF THE SCHOOL 

AND ENTITLES HIM TO BE REGAEDED AS ITS FOUNDER 

IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 
BT THEIR OBLIGED AND FAITHFUL SERVANT 

THOMAS BREWER. 



PREFACE, 




WENT! years have elapsed 
since the author of the 
following pages, then a 
clerk in the Town Clerk's 
office, was induced, by the 
interest felt in the mea- 
sures taken at that time for establishing the 
City of London School, to collect, for the 
information of the members of the Corpora- 
tion of London, some particulars of the per- 
sonal history of John Carpenter, whose 
benevolent bequest formed the basis on 
which the institution was founded. 



Brief and imperfect as was the account 
then given, its production was attended with 
many difficulties and much laborious re- 



vm 

search, partly from the object of inquiry be- 
ing separated from our own times by the 
wide interval of four centuries, and partly 
from the peculiar character of the materials 
available for such a purpose. 

This gratifying result, however, followed 
the publication, that it served to commemo- 
rate to a considerable extent the character 
and actions of one who deserves to be had in 
honourable and lasting remembrance, while 
it also created and kept alive a desire to col- 
lect, as subsequent opportunities might offer, 
such additional information as might serve 
to give a fuller view of his life and character, 
and furnish some illustration of the times in 
which he lived, and the associations by which 
he was surrounded. 

Under the influence of this feeling, the au- 
thor, by continuing his researches and inves- 
tigations, has been fortunate enough to add 
very materially to the information previously 
acquired, and to possess himself of many 



IX 



facts which contribute to a more complete 
development of Carpenter's history, and 
greatly enhance its interest and importance. 

Amongst the most valuable acquisitions 
thus made may be mentioned a Will of John 
Carpenter, and another of his wife Kathe- 
rine ; both of them are now brought to light 
for the first time, and contain many highly 
interesting particulars not obtainable from 
any other source. 

With the advantage of so greatly increased 
a store of information, it has been considered 
advisable that the biography should be en- 
tirely rewritten ; therefore, although the 
facts set forth in the former account are of 
course restated, the work now produced is 
not merely a much enlarged but essentially 
a new one. 

The production of this work has been un- 
dertaken in compliance with the directions 
of the Court of Common Council, by whom 



the author was specially desired to prepare 
it, and cause it to be printed; and he now 
cheerfully submits the result of his labours 
to their notice, in the hope that they may de- 
rive gratification from the knowledge which 
it imparts of the personal qualities and good 
deeds of the individual, whose benefaction 
has led to the establishment of one of the 
most important and useful institutions under 
their care and management. 

The success which has followed the esta- 
blishment of the City of London School is 
probably unprecedented in the history of any 
similar institution. The good which it has al- 
ready been the means of effecting is beyond 
calculation; and the principles on which it 
has been conducted have met with such 
cordial approval, that, by the generosity of 
various benefactors, many gifts and endow- 
ments have been bestowed upon it for the 
advantage of its pupils, which tend both to 
increase its usefulness and to elevate its rank 
amongst public schools. 



XI 



By desire of the Committee of the School^ 
who are anxious that a grateful record of 
such benefactions should be preserved^ a de- 
tailed account of them is given in the Ap- 
pendix, as a fit accompaniment to a narrative 
of the origin of the school. 

In presenting to public notice this bio- 
graphy of one eminent citizen of London 
who is distinguished as a friend of education, 
advantage is taken of the opportunity to ad- 
vert to the many other instances in which a 
like regard for education has been manifest- 
ed by individuals whose names are enrolled 
amongst the citizens of this great metropolis. 
The number of grammar schools, in various 
parts of the country, which owe their founda- 
tion and endowment to the piety and libe- 
rality of citizens of London, many of whom 
sustained the high offices of alderman, sheriff, 
and lord mayor, far exceeds what might be 
supposed, approaching as it does nearly to a 
hundred. So striking a fact, which probably 
has no parallel in any other class of men. 



Xll 



redounds largely to the honour of the citi- 
zens ; and, when viewed in connection with 
the many other charities which had a similar 
origin, seems to encourage a belief in the ex- 
istence of some powerful influence peculiarly 
favourable to the exercise of philanthropy 
involved in the system of fraternity by which 
citizenship was formerly characterized. But 
however that may be, it is to be regretted 
that due honour has not ere this been done 
to the memory of such benefactors to their 
race by some collective account of them, and 
of their good deeds. It will be seen in the 
course of the following pages that the sub- 
ject has occupied a portion of the attention 
of the writer, who has made some progress 
in an undertaking of the kind, and enter- 
tains hopes of being able to prosecute it still 
further. 

April, 1856. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



MEMOIR. 

Introduction - page 1 

Birth and parentage of Carpenter - 3 

Early training; schools of his time; discouragement of English 

teaching 5-9 

His designation as '^ clerk " 10 

His introduction to public life, and election as Town Clerk - 11 
Frequently called " secretary " of the city - - - - 13 

Proclamation upon judgment of the pillory bearing his name - 14 
Correspondence with King Henry the Fifth during the war in 

France 16 

Compilation of " Liber Albus;" its contents, and object - 17-22 

His numerous executorships 22 

Acts done as an executor to Sir Richard Whitjugton - 25-30 

Dance of Death at St. Paul's ; its frequency in other places, and 

probable object 30-35 

His recovery of a charity for poor prisoners - - - - 36 
Receives from the city the lease of a house - - - - 38 

Exemption from burthensome duties 39 

Election as Member of Parliament for the city ; and nomination 

of collectors of a parliamentary tax 40 

Services rendered to the city of Norwich - - - - 42 
Resignation as Town Clerk 43 



XIV 

Second election as Member of Parliament^ and example of rela- 
tive positions of representatives and constituents - - 44 

Obtains from the crown a patent of exemption from all public 
duties and offices 45 

Continues to render occasional public services; St. Martin-le- 
grand case 49 

Connection with the hospital of St. Anthony, celebrated for its 
school 52 

Discovery of his Will; and particulars furnished by it of his 
private life 55 

His residence, general position in society, and possessions - 56-58 

His connection with religious fraternities - - - - 58 

His association with men of learning, <fcr. (Bishop Carpenter, 
Cleve, Neel, Lichfeld, Pecok, and Byngham) ; and his co- 
operation with them in promoting knowledge - - 60-68 

Men of civic eminence and benevolence who were his friends 
(Whityngton, Sevenoke, Chicheley, Rainwell, Welles, Estfeld, 
Browne, Malpas, and Large) 68-72 

Carpenter's gift for education; earliest particulars of it pos- 
sessed by the city 72 

Charity Commissioners' report. Alterations effected in 1827 - 78 

Act of Parliament in 1834 ; and consequent establishment of the 
City of London School 82 

Acknowledgement of Mr. Hale's services - - - - 89 

Preamble of Carpenter's Will; bequests to his wife, £&c,, to his 
relatives, and to various religious and charitable foundations ; 
disposal of his books; legacies to servants and others - 91-101 

His death and burial 101 

Cardinal Beaufort's benefaction to London Bridge, and Carpen- 
ter's trusteeship in respect of it 102-106 

Carpenter's widow - - - - - - - - 106 



XV 

Review of the times in which Carpenter lived, and of events of 
leading importance, political, social, and religious; signs of 
general mental progress; rise of English literature - 106-114 

Summary view of the career and character of Carpenter; his 
statue, and the inscription thereon . . - - 114-118 



APPENDIX. 

No. I. List of Books belonging to Carpenter, which are men- 
tioned in his Will, with bibliographical notices, d:c. - 121 

No. II. Will (No. 2) of John Carpenter (translation) - - 131 

No. III. Will (No. 1) of his wife Katherine Carpenter - - 145 

No. IV. Will (No. 2) of ditto (translation) - - - - 151 

No. V. Account of Benefactions and Endowments bestowed on 

the City of London School since its establishment - 166 

No. VI. Particulars of the several Scholarships and Exhibitions 

now attached to the school 175 



MEMOIR. 



Men who have been distinguislied from tlie mass 
of mankind by the possession of rare talents_, the exer- 
cise of noble virtues^ or the accomplishment of great 
deeds — especially if their career has had any appreci- 
able influence upon the welfare of their fellow men — 
have in all ages been honoured by some attempt to 
preserve their memories from utter oblivion^ to point 
out to their own or succeeding ages their peculiar 
merits^ and to spread the knowledge of the benefits 
which they have been the means of conferring. 

It seems to be a principle implanted by nature in 
man^ to admire and to reverence any human being 
who earns an unquestionable title to be regarded as 
a benefactor to his race ; and the feeling is one that 
is not only amiable as an expression of gratitude,, but 
has a beneficial tendency in stimulating the mind to 
follow good examples. 

Considerations such as these would be reasons suf- 
ficient for inviting attention to a notice of almost any 
one of the long list of distinguished worthies which 



the history of our native land,, or the more limited 
annals of this proud metropolis, could furnish for our 
contemplation. But the object of the following pages 
will be to present a memoir of the life and times of 
an individual whose history has hitherto been but 
very imperfectly known^ though one act of his bene- 
volence has preserved his name from oblivion for up- 
wards of four centuries^ and ensured a lasting remem- 
brance and veneration^ as the Founder of that great 
and flourishing educational establishment The City 
OF London School. 

John Carpenter^ who is the person referred to^ 
lived in an age which some are accustomed to regard 
as little better than those earlier times which are ge- 
nerally designated as the dark ages ; though it would 
be more accurate to describe his time as the later por- 
tion of the mediaeval age^ the vigil^ if we may so call 
it^ of that brighter era which brought in the revival of 
learning, the reformation of religion, the cultivation 
of art and science^ the spirit of enterprise which led to 
important geographical discoveries^ and a long train 
of other glorious advantages which have been pro- 
gressively developing themselves ever since. 

The materials for his biography are unfortunately 
too scanty to allow us to speak with certainty upon 
every point in his history ; but stilly by persevering 
inquiry and patient investigation, the writer has been 
able to gather sufficient particulars to furnish (he 



hopes) a tolerably correct idea of tlie leading incidents 
of his life^ and the chief features of his character. 

The exact year when Carpenter was born has not 
been discovered. Neither parochial registers^ nor the 
more modern system of recording births_, had come 
into vogue so early^-; nor is there any family pedigree 
or monumental inscription extant to assist us in the 
inquiry. From some facts_, however^ which are well 
ascertained,, it may be inferred that he was born some- 
where about the close of the long reign of Edward 
the Thirds or the beginning of the disastrous career 
of his ill-fated successor Richard the Second^ whose 
accession to the throne took place in the year 1377. 

His father's name was Richard Carpenter^ and his 
mother's Christina b. The father^ there seems reason 
to believe^ was a citizen of London^ engaged^ like most 
citizens of his time^ in some trade. The rolls of Par- 
liament of the 5th Rich. 11.^ 1381 c^ contain a pardon, 
in which several persons of the name of Carpenter 
are mentioned as being excepted from its benefits, and 
amongst them one who is described as Richard Car- 
penter of Billiter lane, London. The city records also 
contain an entry of a recognizance ^ entered into in 
1410 before the mayor and aldermen, by two citizens, 
respecting the guardianship of an orphan, one of the 

a Parish registers were first established in England in 1535. 
b Will of Katharine Carpenter : Appendix Ko. IV. 
c Rot. Pari, vol. iii. p. 112. A Liher I, fo. 97 b, 

B 2 



parties to whicli is John Norman^ goldsmith^ and tlie 
other Eichard Carpenter,, chaundeler. These two en- 
tries may possibly refer to one and the same person^ 
and that person be the father of our John Carpenter, 
but of this there is no positive evidence ; and yet it 
would appear rather a singular coincidence if there 
were no connection. 

The parents of John Carpenter had other children 
besides him, both sons and daughters. One of them 
at least was senior to him ; he bore the same name of 
John (for it was then not uncommon for two brothers 
to be named alike), and our John (if so we may call 
him) was distinguished by being described as John 
Carpenter ywwzor, or the younger ^. Stow in more than 
one place calls him Jenken Carpenter f which the 
readers of Chaucer will know is the diminutive of 
John g, as Simkin is of Simon h. 

The name of his other brother was Robert ; and it 
seems probable that he was a brewer, for a Robert 
Carpenter was, in 1422, deputed by the Company of 
Brewers, with another member of the same craft, to 
go with the mayor to Grravesend, to put in force an 
ordinance of Parliament for the removal of weirs in 
the Thames i. The father and mother were both buried 
in the church of St. Martin Outwich, in Bishops- 

e Will of Carpenter, &c. ^ Surv. of London, pp. 244, 329. 

g In the Wife of Bath's Prologue " our prentis Jankin" is spoken of. 
li The Reve's Tale. i Herbert's Livery Companies, vol. i. p. 57. 



gate street_, and so also were some other members 
of the family k. 

The subject of the present biography appears to 
have been early destined for other pursuits in life than 
those of trade_, and to have accordingly received what 
may be termed a learned education. From the nature 
of his benefaction we cannot but regard him as a 
person endued with an enlightened appreciation of 
the advantages of sound instruction^ and therefore it 
will be interesting briefly to notice what was probably 
his own early training. 

It is well known that long before his time a public 
school was attached to every cathedral,, and almost to 
every monastery!; but besides these seminaries of 
learnings which were more or less designed to train 
persons for the service of the churchy there were esta- 
blished in all the chief cities and towns of England 
considerable schools in which the youth were in- 
structedj not only in readings writings and grammar^ 
but also in several other branches of literature^ as rhe- 
toric^ logic^ and theology i». We are told by William 
Fitzstephen^ who flourished in the reign of Henry 
the Second, and has left an exceedingly interesting 
account of the city in his time, that there were three 
of these eminent schools in London firmly established, 

k Wills of Carpenter and his wife : Appendix, II. and IV. 

1 Turner's History of England in the Middle Ages, vol. iv. p. 156. 

m Carlisle's Endowed Qrammar Schools, preface^ p. xix. 



besides others that were occasionally opened by such 
masters as had obtained a high reputation for their 
learning. 

" On festival days/^ he observes n_, ^^ the masters 
'' assemble their pupils at those churches where the 
" feast of the patron saint is solemnized, and there 
^' the scholars dispute, some in the demonstrative 
" way, and others logically ; some again recite enthy- 
" memes, while others use the more perfect syllogism. 
'' Some, to show their abilities, engage in such dis- 
" putation as is practised among persons contending 
" for victory alone; others dispute upon a truth, which 
" is the grace of perfection. The sophisters, who argue 
" upon feigned topics, are deemed clever according to 
" their fluency of speech and command of language. 
" Others endeavour to impose by false conclusions. 
" Sometimes certain orators in their rhetorical ha- 
^^ rangues employ all the powers of persuasion, taking 
^' care to observe the precepts of the art, and to omit 
" nothing apposite to the subject. The boys of the 
" diflferent schools vrrangle with each other in verse, 

n Fitzstephen's Description of London^ Stow's Swi'vey, by Thorns, 
p. 210. 

o Fescennina carmina (derived from Fescennia, a town of Etruria,) 
were rude jesting dialogues in extempore verse, full of good-tempered 
raillery and coarse humour. From these verses others took their 
name, which were more licentious and scurrilous, and gave rise to 
an epithet for any coarse rude jests. — Notes on Horace, by the Rev. 
A. J. Maclean, ep. ii. 1, 145 : " Fescennina per Imnc inventa licentia 
morem," <kc. 



^^ and contend about the principles of grammar^ or 
'■'' tlie rules of tlie perfect and future tenses. There 
'^ are some who^ in epigrams^ rhymes^ and verses^ use 
" that trivial raillery so much practised amongst the 
" ancients,, freely attacking their companions with 
"^ Fescennine licence o^ but suppressing the names, 
^' discharging their scoffs and sarcasms against them, 
^' touching with Socratic wit the failings of their 
" schoolfellows, or perhaps of greater personages, or 
'' biting them more keenly with a Theonine toothP. 
^' The audience, 

'' Well disposed to laugh, 
" With curling nose double the quivering peals q." 

As the practice thus vividly described by Fitzste- 
phen in the twelfth century continued to some extent 
down to the time when Stow wrote his Survey of 
London four centuries later ^^ there can be little doubt 
that it affords a correct insight into the nature of the 
school training which Carpenter was subjected to. 

But there is another highly important feature in 
the education of his time, which should not go un- 

P This proverbial expression was derived from Theon, a poor freed- 
man of Rome, in Horace's time ; a man of malignant wit, who, pro- 
voking his master, was turned out of his house, with the present of a 
small coin, and told to go and buy a rope to hang himself. — Maclean's 
Notes on Horace, ep. i. 18, 82 : '' Qui dente Theonino chm. circum- 
roditur," <tc. 

q The original of this last line is from one of the Satires of Persius : 
" Ingeminant tremulos naso crispante cachinnos," — Sat. iii. v. 87. 

r Stow's Survey, 1603, p. 74. 



8 

noticed. In the time of Edward the Third, the chil- 
dren in grammar schools were not taught English at 
all. It was the policy of the first Norman kings, long 
continued by their successors, to get rid of the old 
English or Saxon language altogether, and to make 
the people familiar with the Norman-Erench, the lan- 
guage of the conquerors. The statutes of the realm 
were written in Erench ; so were the decisions of the 
judges, and the commentaries on the laws in generals. 
In the beginning of the reign of Edward the Third 
Holcot complains that children learned first the 
Erench, and from that the Latin language ; and that 
there was no regular instruction of youth in English. 
So Higden, who died in 1362, in his Polychronicon, 
states that " children in schools, against the usage and 
manner of aU other nations, be compelled for to leave 
their own language, and for to construe their lessons 
and their things in Erench ; and so they have since 
the Normans came first into England. Also gentle- 
men^s children be taught for to speak Erench from 
the time that they be rocked in their cradle." John 
de Trevisa, a writer of a later date, and the translator 
of Higden, says that John Cornewaile, a master of 
grammar, was the first to change the teaching in 
grammar schools by the substitution of English for 

s Knight's Life of Caxton, p. 11. 

t Hallam's Literature of Europe in the Middle Ages, vol. i. p. 64, 

u Stat. 36 Edw. III., c. 15, 



9 ' 

French. Mr. Hallam remarks that " the English was 
'' seldom written^ and hardly employed in prose till 
^^ after the middle of the fourteenth century ;^^ the 
earliest English book being Sir John Maundeville^s 
Travels, written in 1356*. In 1362, an Act of Par- 
liament passed, that all causes in the courts of law 
should in future be pleaded, discussed, and adjudged 
in English instead of Frenchu; and it appears that 
English soon superseded its competitor so completely 
that, by 1385, in all the grammar schools of England 
the teaching of French was left oflP, and English sub- 
stituted in its stead ^. 

Being designed for the profession of the law, it was 
a matter of necessity with Carpenter that he should 
be conversant not only with English and Latin, but 
with French also; and it is probable that his legal 
studies were pursued at one of the Inns of Court, 
which were then places of great resort for those who 
desired to obtain a competent acquaintance with the 
laws y. 

Either from his having adopted the profession of 
the law, which implied a certain amount of learning, 
or for the reasons applicable in other cases, where the 
title is employed to denote the possession of a superior 
degree of knowledge in general, we find him after- 

X Turner's History of England, vol, v. pp. 441, 449 note 27 ; and 
Pictorial History of England, vol. ii. p. 215. 

y Stow's Survey, p. !r8. 



V 



10 

wards usually styled clericus (clerk) ^ a term whichj 
besides being used to designate ecclesiastical persons,, 
was formerly employed also to signify in a general 
sense a learned man^ or man of letters z. Tbus Chau- 
cer^ in tbe prologue to his Clerk^s Tale^ calls Petrarcb 
'^ a worthy clerk.'' Bertbelet, the printer of the Con- 
fessio Amantis, calls the author " that excellent clerk, 
'^ the moral John Gower ^." And Caxton^ in speaking 
of an edition of the ^neid which he had published^ 
says it was " made in Latin by that noble poet and 
V " great clerk Virgil b/^ 

That Carpenter was a man of attainments superior 
to many of his contemporaries^ of intellectual capa- 
city^ and of high moral worthy will be more and more 
evident as our narrative progresses. We shall find 
him amidst the busy scenes of active life still exhi- 
biting a studious character^ displaying a fondness for 
literature^ cultivating association with learned men^ 
and, by that endowment which has been the chief 
means of preserving his name from being entirely for- 
gotten, providing for the continuous encouragement 
and spread of education. He seems therefore justly 
entitled to the distinction which has been alluded to, 
in the most honourable sense in which it was accus- 
tomed to be employed. 



z Encydopcedia Britannica, seventh edit.j vol. vi. p. 7i. 
a Craik's Literature and Learning in England, vol. ii. p. 
t> Knight's Life of Caxton, p. 186. 



11 

He seems to have first entered on public life in 
some capacity connected with the department of the 
Town Clerk of London. That officer has always been 
one of the highest functionaries attached to the corpo- 
ration j but his duties in former times were far more 
decidedly of a legal character than they are now. 
Next to the Recorder he was the chief officer in the 
local courts of law_, called the Hustings^ and the 
Mayor's Court, both of them tribunals of very exten- 
sive juiisdiction and practice in civil matters. All the 
process^ pleadings, and records were under his super- 
intendence and that of his subordinate officers. All 
suits were conducted by a limited number (generally 
not more than four) of sworn officers, latterly called 
the attorneys of the court, but in former times clerks 
of the outer court, or clerks to the Town Clerk. Some 
such appointment as this appears to have been held 
by Carpenter, who, in com^se of time, was elected by 
the mayor, aldermen, and commons to the superior 
office of Common Clerk or Town Clerk. His election 
took place at a common council held on the 20th of 
April, 1417, in the fifth year of King Henry the Fifth; 
and it is marked by circumstances which reflect the 
highest honour upon him for his good feeling. It 
appears that the former occupant of the office, under 
whom Carpenter had served, was obliged to retire 
through inability to continue the performance of his 
duties ; but Carpenter generously proposed to sacrifice 



12 

part of tlie emolument of the office for the benefit 
of his predecessor during his life,, and solicited from 
the common council the grant to the same individual 
of a free residence in the house which he was then 
occupying at the Guildhall. 

'' The same day/^ says the entry in the records of 
the city ^, " it was granted by the said mayor^ alder- 
" men^ and common council^ at the cordial and dili- 
'^ gent instance of John Carpenter^ that John Mar- 
" chaunt^ for the good and laudable service which 
^' hitherto and of long time in the office of common 
^^ clerk of the said city he hath faithfully exercised 
" and occupied^ shall have and hold^ for the term of 
" his life^ to him and his assigns^ one mansion which 
^' he inhabitethj situate above the middle gate of en- 
^^ trance to the Guildhall of the said city^ between 
" the tenement of Thomas Wotton on the east part^ 
^' and the cemetery of the church of St. Lawrence on 
^' the west part^ without anything rendering for the 
^^ same. And also at the instance and by the consent 
'^ of the said John Carpenter it was then and there 
^^ granted by the said mayor^ aldermen^ and common 
" council^ that the said John Marchaunt shall have 
^^ and receive annually during his life^ at the four 
^^ principal terms in the year and usual in the City of 
" London^ of the commonalty of the aforesaid city^ by 

c Wber I, fo. 194 b. 



13 

" the hands of the chamberlain for the time being, 
" ten pounds sterling pertaining to the office and the 
" ancient fee of the common clerk of the said city; 
" and that John Carpenter_, his clerk, who then and 
" there into the same office was elected and admitted, 
^^ shall have and receive annually, of the commonalty 
'^ aforesaid, the rewards and robes, and the other fees, 
^^ commodities, and profits and emoluments whatso- 
" ever to the office aforesaid belonging and pertain- 
^' ing, together with the fee of ten pounds aforesaid, 
" which shall fall after the death of the said John 
" Marchaunt, ^c. And it was granted by the same 
^^ John Carpenter, then and there, in full council 
^^ aforesaid, that he, during the life of the said John 
" Marchaunt, would not demand, or procure to be 
'' demanded, any of the fee of ten pounds aforesaid 
^' to the said office pertaining/^ — -, ^ 

During the time Carpenter held the office of town 
clerk, or common clerk, he was also frequently called 
the secretary of the cityd. It is rather remarkable ^ 

that this designation, though not inappropriate at any 
other period — for a large portion of the town clerk^s 
duties, apart from those which have been already al- 
luded to, are strictly analogous to those of a secre- 
tary — has not been met with in the records of the city 
as being applied to any town clerk but Carpenter. 

d Liber K, fo. 165; 189 ; and Journal No. 3, fo. 64 b, QB. 



14 

The city records in the year following his accession 
to office contain a somewhat curious public document^ 
which is subscribed with his name; and, being one 
of the very few entries of that period which are in 
English_, is worthy of introduction here_, not only as 
a specimen of composition which will admit of fa- 
vourable comparison with other examples of English 
writing of the same date, but also because it furnishes 
a glimpse of the habits and character of the common 
people of that age. It is entitled a ^^ Proclamation 
'' upon judgment of the Pillory/' and was no doubt 
read or exhibited to the populace assembled to witness 
the punishment of the offender. It is in these words d. 

" For as moche as Thomas of Forde of Caunter- 
'' bury, sawyer, otherwyse called Thomas of Forde, 
'' sothseyer, that here stant, be a solempne enquest, 
" afore the mair and aldermen taken, was endited, and 
" aftur be another enquest atteint and convict, of hi- 
^^ dous trespasses and disseites, that is to seye, that 
'^ he now late cam to oon Jonet, that was y^ wyfe of 
^^ Javyn Cook of Estchepe, seing that he was a soth- 
^^ seyer, and trewely wolde telle her where CC^i and 
" more was become, with a litel cofre closed, be her 
^^ housbond in his life was beried in the ground, if it 
^' so were that she wold paye as well for the sotell in- 
'^ strumentes that longen to his craft, as for his mete 

<1 Liber I, fo. 212. 



15 

^^ and drinke that lie spended al ye mene while that 
^^ he were in this toun^ and with that also that she 
'' wolde ensure him to be wedded to him^ which Jonet_, 
" nat knowyng his falsnesse and disceit^ paied at his 
^^ byddyngj for his instrumentes and mete and drinke_, 
^' xl5. and more onward, and, innocently trustyng 
" to hes wordes and behest, behot [promised] hym 
^' for to do all that he desired, with that condicon 
^' that he wolde performe and do as he hadde hight 
^' and promised ; the whiche Thomas, contynuyng his 
" falsnesse and disceit aboveseyd, wityng [knowing] 
" wel that he might ne cowde nat perfourme that he 
'' had behight [promised] , delaied her forth fro day 
^' to day, til at the laste he knouliched his falsnesse, 
" and proferred hem amendes : and in the same wyse 
" he begiled and disceyved an other woman, that 
^' hight [is called] Naverme Mauncell, behetyng [pro- 
'^ mising] her for to gete a geyne half a gowne of 
'' cloth of gold which was stolen out of here kepyng, 
^^ and made here to spende upon hym, upon trust 
^^ therof, xviiJ5. vj^. and more. For the which fals- 
'^ nesse and disceytes, the mair and aldermen, willyng 
^^ that suche shul be war be hym in tyme comyng, 
^' hav awarded, after y^ custume of this cite, that he, 
^' as a fals lyere and disceyver of y® comune peple, 
" shal stonde here upon ye pillorye thre market dayes, 
" eche day an hour, with a weston aboute *hys necke, 
^^ in tokene of a lyere. ^^ Carpenter.^' 



- -k 



16 

About three montlis from the date of Carpenter's 
election to office,, Henry the Fifth — who^ after the vic- 
tory gained at Agincourt in 141 5^ returned to Eng- 
land^ where he was received with the highest pos- 
sible demonstration of enthusiasm^ and remained two 
years — commenced his second invasion of France^ 
setting sail on the 23d of July, 1417, and landing his 
forces on the 1st of August, at Beville. 

During this campaign Hemy sent repeated letters, 
setting forth his proceedings and successes, to the 
mayor and aldermen of London, many of the originals 
of which are still in existence, and also some of the 
answers to them, which no doubt proceeded from the 
pen of Carpenter as the city's secretary. Some of 
these documents are exceedingly interesting ; and a 
biographer of Henry the Fifth (the late Rev. J. Endell 
Tyler), who has introduced a few of them into his 
work, laments that such indisputable records are not 
aU published, or rendered accessible to every one who 
would wish to consult them®. Amongst them is one 
from the mayor and aldermen in reply to an appeal 
from the king, dated from his camp before Kouen, en- 
treating them in all haste to equip and send to him as 
many small vessels as they could, with victuals, and 
especially with drink, for the refreshing of him and 
his army. The king's letter was received on the 19th 

e Tyler's Memoirs of the Life and Character of Henry the Fifth, 
1838, vol. ii. p. 214. 



'7 

August^ 141 8j and the city^s answer,, dated Stli Sep- 
tember^ was sent by two of their officers^ with thirty 
butts of sweet wine^ that is to say^ ten of Tyre^ ten 
of Eomeney, ten of jNIahnesey ; and a thousand pipes 
of ale^ with two thousand five hundred cups for the 
host to drink out of; all which they besought the king, 
in terms of great flattery and profound loyalty_, ^' be- 
^ nignly to receive and accept^ not having regard to 
^ the small value of the gift itself^ which is simple, 
^ but to the good wiU and high desire that your poor 
' givers thereof have to the good speed, worship, 
^ and welfare of your most sovereign and excellent 
' person f. " 

There can scarcely be a doubt that Carpenter, whose ~^/f\ 
services in the city are spoken of in a document which 
will be hereafter quoted as dating " from the time of 
his youth," had, previously to his election as Town 
Clerk, accustomed himself to habits of investigation 
into the constitution and government of the city, and 
acquired a familiarity with the laws and customs 
which regulated the administration of its affairs. It 
is exceedingly probable that his reputation in this 
respect may have had much to do with his being 
selected to fill the important office just mentioned. 
This wiU sufficiently explain, what it would other- 
wise be difficult to account for, that within two or 

f Ihid., pp. 225-227. 
C 



18 

three years after his election he was able, notwith- 
standing his many important avocations_, to write a 
large volume on matters relating to the city, which 
displays much research and knowledge of the subjects 
on which it treats, and has always been regarded as 
a book of great value and authority. It is still pre- 
served in the archives of the corporation, together 
with a transcript or duplicate copy of it made by 
Robert Smith, Comptroller of the Chamber in the 
reign of Queen Elizabeth g. The volume, which is in 
Latin, purports to be a collection of the laws, customs, 
privileges, and usages of the city, principally extracted 
from the rolls, charters, and documents of authority 
which were then in possession of the corporation. The 
contents of the several treatises and collections, re- 
garding the city^s rights, are, at the end of the com- 
pilation, digested by way of calendar, and an index is 
given to the pages of the volumes from which these 
contents are extracted. 

The volume was at first called Liber Albus (or the 
White Book), but that name is now generally applied 
to the transcript, and the original designated as Liber 
Niger (or the Black Book) . This change in the name 

g For making the copy of the book abovementioned Smith was 
rewarded by the Court of Aldermen, on the 25th October, 1592, with 
the sum of thirty pounds. — Repertory No. 20, fo. 370 b. He was the 
founder of a grammar school at his native place, Market Harborough, 
in Leicestershire, of which he appointed the lord mayor and alder- 
men patrons. 



19 

was most likely not adopted until after-tlie copy of the 
book had been made ; and it is not improbable tbat 
botb tbe change and the copy owed their origin to the 
following lineSj written by some person^ evidently prior 
to the reign of Queen Elizabeth_, on the first leaf : 

" Qui Liber Albus erat^ nunc est contrarius albo, 

Factus et est unctis poUicibusque niger ; 
Dum tamen est extans, istum describite librum, 

Ne semel amisso postea nuUus erit : 
Quod si nullus erit (nonnuUa est nostraque culpa), 

Hei ! pretii sumnii perdita gemma, Vale^ !" 

The motives which led to the compilation being made, 
and the end that it was designed to answer,, are ex- 
plained with much force and clearness in a short pre- 
face or introduction, a translation of which is here 
introduced, as tending to throw some light upon the 
character and pursuits of its author, whose unosten- 
tatious disposition would not allow him to record to 
whom the merit of the compilation was due, in any 
other way than by modestly inscribing his name 
" Carpenter,^^ on the inner side of the first leaf, in 
much the same way that persons are now in the habit 



li These lines have been rendered into English verse by the com- 
piler's friend Mr. Josiah Temple, of Guildhall, as follows : 
This book, which once was white, has black become, 
Mark'd through and through by many a greasy thumb ; 
Copy its leaves while yet you have the power, 
Which may be lost if left beyond this hour : 
For if through fault of ours the book be lost. 
Farewell ! a gem is gone of greatest cost ! 

c 2 



20 

of inscribing their name in books^ to denote to whom 
they belong : — 

^' Because the fallibility of human memory_, and the 
'^ shortness of life_, do not allow us to attain a proper 
^^ knowledge of everything worthy of remembrance^ 
^^ even where we possess the written evidence of facts^ 
^^ especially if this appear without order or regula- 
'' rity^ yet is this still more the case with regard to 
" those things whereof no written account exists ; and 
'^ when^ as not unfrequently it happens^ all the aged^ 
^^ the more skilful and discreet rulers of the Royal 
" City of London are carried off by pestilence^ almost 
" we may say at once_, the younger persons who suc- 
" ceed them in the government of the city are often- 
" times,, in various instances^ surrounded with diffi- 
^' culties^ from the very Avant of such a writing : and 
" thus perplexity and controversy are many times 
^^ caused amongst them in rendering their judgments. 
^^ It has been therefore long deemed necessary^ not 
^^ by the governors of the city only^ but by those also 
^^ who are subject to their rule^ that some volume^ 

i Carpenter is not the only oflicer of the city who has left such a 
memorial of his industry and research. There are in the archives of 
the corporation two other manuscript volumes of great value and an- 
tiquity, one of which^ called " Liber Horn/' was compiled by Andrew 
Horn, Chamberlain of London, in the year 1311, in the reign of Edward 
the Second, and purports to contain " all the statutes, ordinances, 
charters, liberties, and customs of the city, and orders of the Justices 
Itinerant at the Tower of London and at their iters, together with the 
charter of the Liberties of England, and the statutes made by Henry 



21 

^' wMch^ from its containing tlie regulations of tlie 
" city,, might be designated a Repertory^ should be 
'^ compiled from the remarkable notices and memo- 
^^ randa scattered without order or distinction through 
'^ the several books^ rolls^ and charters of the said 
^^ city ; and because such a design — for what cause 
" it is not known^ without it be from the excessive 
" labour it must demand^ — has not been hitherto car- 
" ried into effect^ a volume of such a description is 
^^ now compiled in the mayoralty of the illustrious 
" Eichard Whityngton^ mayor of the said city^ that 
" is to say^ in the month of November^ in the year of 
^^ our Lord's incarnation One thousand four hundred 
^^ and nineteen^ and in the seventh year of the reign 
'^ of King Henry the Fifth after the conquest i; con- 
^^ taining in itself not only those laudable obser- 
^^ vances which^ albeit they are not written^ have yet 
" been accustomed and approved in the said city, 
'^ that they may not hereafter be destroyed and lost 
^' in oblivion, as likewise such things, worthy of note 
^^ and remembrance, as are written, but scattered 

the Tliird and Edward the First." This is an exceedingly curious 
volume; and its value as a register of some of the early statutes 
(authentic copies of which are in many cases very scarce) is particu- 
larly noticed in the edition of the Statutes of the Realm printed under 
the authority of the Commissioners for Public Records (folio, 1810, 
vol. i., Introduction, pp. xxxviii, xxxix.). Horn was also the compiler 
of the well-known treatise on the ancient common law of the realm, 
entitled The Mirror of Justices (Crabb's History of English Law, p. 214). 
The other manuscript volume above alluded to is styled '' Liber Dun- 



22 

" about;, and without order, in tlie manner before de- 
" scribed; that, by their being known, as well the rulers 
" of the city as the ruled may know with greater se- 
" curity what henceforth should be done in rare and 
" unusual cases /^ 

It is no slight testimony to the character and dis- 
position of Carpenter to find that his services were 
frequently besought in the capacity of an executor to 
the wills of persons who left behind them property 
which they desired to have applied to beneficent pur- 
poses, and that he evinced a ready willingness to lend 
himself to the accomplishment of their views. It 
shows on their part the great trust and confidence 
which they had in him, and the reliance they placed 
on his discretion, as well as his fidelity ; while on his 
part it exhibits a readiness to serve his friends, and to 
be instrumental in promoting works of piety and cha- 
rity, which indicates a mind of decidedly social ten- 
dencies and benevolent susceptibilities. 

The writer has been able to trace four instances in 

which he undertook duties of this kind, and no doubt 

V^ there were many others which have escaped discovery. 

The first of these is in the case of John Marchaunt, 

i his predecessor as Town Clerk, whose death happened 



" thorn/' and was written by "William Dunthom, Town Clerk, between 
the years 1461 and 1490. In its contents it is similar to Liber Albus. 
The city rewarded Dunthom, for his labour in making it, with the 
considerable sum of 115Z. 3s. dd. {Journal No. 8, fo. 91.) 



23 

in 1421^;, about four years after his retirement from 
office. The next instance is an appointment_, in the 
same year^ as executor of two wills of William Est_, a 
citizen of London ^^ who left a reversionary bequest of 
his property for pious uses^ which are thus enume- 
rated ; namely^ in releasing poor prisoners confined 
for debt; in marrying poor girls of good fame and 
honest conversation^ not having any marriage portion 
of themselves ; in mending the ways about the city 
of London ; and in other works of charity as might 
best seem to please God^ and save the testator's soul_, 
and the souls of his father and mother,, and all the 
faithful deceased. 

The third and most important instance is that of 
the celebrated Sir Eichard Whityngton^ the far-famed 
hero of the wellknown civic romance^ whose honours 
were not confined to beings as Bow bells had pre- 
dicted^ ^' thrice lord mayor of London^" for he held 
that high ofiS.ce four times ^, and is otherwise distin- 
guished in civic history. 

Whityngton^s will is dated the 5th of September^ 
1421^ and was proved and enrolled in the court of 
Hustings in London^ in 1423 ^. By it he left all his 
lands and tenements in London^ which were very 



k Eolls of Deeds and Wills, No. 150, memb. 9. 
1 Ihid., memb. 4 dors., and memb. 7. 
m In 1397 (part of the year), 1398, 1407, and 1420. 
n Rolls of Deeds and Wills, No. 151, memb. 9 dors. 



24 

considerable^ to his executors^ with directions^ after 
attending to certain specific objects,, to apply the re- 
sidue of his property in works of charity for his soul, 
as they would wish him to do for their souls in a si- 
milar case. The other executors besides Carpenter 
were John Coventre, alderman, John White, clerk, 
and William Grove. Coven tre was an ancestor of the 
present Earl of Coventry o; he was sheriff of the city 
in 1417, and lord mayor in 1425. lie died on Easter 
Monday, loth April, 1429 P, and was buried in the 
church of St. Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, where a mo- 
nument was erected to his memory ^i. White died in 
or about the month of January, 1424 r. 

The fourth instance of Carpenter's executorship 
which has been discovered is in the case of a will of 
a person named Hugh Kynder, citizen and Tailor, at 
a much later period, the will being proved by him in 
1441s. 

The large discretionary powers which testators in 
those times were accustomed to vest in their execu- 
tors, of which the above-quoted wills of William Est 
and Sir Richard Whityngton are instances, must have 
frequently been productive of a considerable amount 
of labour and responsibility ; we may reasonably sup- 



o Collins's Peerage, vol. iv. p. 157. P Liber K, fo. 71. 
q Stow's Survey, 1603, p. 259. 

r Rolls of Deeds and Wills, No, 152, memb. 13, and No. 153, memb. 
), compared. s lUd., No, 170^ memb. 1 dors. 



25 

pose that faithfully to carry into elBPect such a will as 
that of Whityngton would claim from a conscientious 
man a large portion of his attention, and the numerous 
notices which are to be found of charitable and public 
acts done in Whityngton^ s name,, though performed 
by his executors, fully bear out the supposition. 

In fulfilment of the trust reposed in them, Carpen- 
ter and his colleagues, after procuring the necessary 
licences from the king and the archbishop of Canter- 
bury, completed the foundation, which Whityngton 
had begun in his lifetime, of a college in the church 
of St. Michael Koyal, for five chaplains, one of whom 
was to be the master ; and an alms-house adjoining to 
the church for thirteen poor men, of whom one was to 
be called tutor. On these establishments they settled 
an ample endowment, and, after making ordinances 
and statutes for their regulation, they twice procured 
a confirmation from the king and the parliament *. 

Malcolm, quoting Strype, says «, '^ There are extant 
^^ in the custody of the Mercers the original ordi- 
'^ nances of Richard Whittington^s charity, made by 
^^ his executors Coventry, Carpenter, and Grove, faMy 
^^ written ; where, on the first page, is curiously illu- 
^^ mined the said Whittington lying on his death 



t These charters and ordinances, dated in the 3d, 5th, and 10th of 
Henry VI., are printed in the Monasticon Anglicamim, vol. iii. part 2, 
pp. 177, 178, 189, and Addit. 99. See also Eot. Pari vol. iv. p. 392. 

u Malcolm's Londmium JRedivivum, vol. iv. p. 515. 



26 

" bed_, a very lean^ consumed^ meagre body_, and his 
" three executors and a priest^ and divers others 
^^ standing by his bed side/^ Malcolm adds_, " the 
" other figures mentioned by Strype are a physician 
" holding an urinal,, and a groupe of thirteen figures, 
" the front one of which is doubtless Robert Chester- 
" ton the first tutor of the alms-house (his hair is 
" distinguished from the rest, being grey), and his 
" twelve alms-men attending him. The head-piece of 
" the ordinances, which Strype says is cmiously illu- 
^^ mined, is really a drawing with a fine-pointed pen; 
'' the ink by time is changed to a brown, and the 
" faces and hands are tinted with red, heightened with 
" white, and the hair with brown; the emaciated figure 
'' of Whittington is tinted with a sallow pale brown. 
" The names of Carpenter, Coventry, and Grove are 
^' written on the figures intended for them ^.^ ' 

The ordinances themselves, which there is reason 
to believe were drawn up by Carpenter, who seems to 
have been on all occasions the most diligent, as he 
was probably also the best informed of the executors, 
are very curious and interesting ; and, as the intro- 
ductory portion of them shows the illumination just 
mentioned to be the representation of something like 
an actual scene, besides setting forth the motives for 



X The annexed engraving of this illumination has been copied 
from the original by the kind peraiission of H, E, Barnes^ esq., of 
Mercers' Hall. 



, L ^^xj^'-^ t ^^^^n^l^^^ ^ ^^^/^.^'^^ 




-i^ 






27 

the foundation of the charity,, a quotation from the 
opening part is here introduced, as follows : 

" To alle the trewe people of Cryste that shalle se 
'' or here the things which be conteyned within these 
" present letters, John Coventre, Jenkin Carpentre, 
" and William Grove, ^c, executors of the testament 
" of the worthy and notable merchaunt Richard 
" Whittington, late citezin and Mercer of the cite 
" of London, and oftentimes meyer of the same cite, 
'' sending gretyng in our Lord God everlastynge. 

" The fervent desire and besy intention of a pru- 
" dent, wyse, and devout man shall be to caste before, 
'' and make secure the state and the ende of the shorte 
'' liffe, with dedys of mercy and pite ; and namely to 
" provyde for such poure persons which grievous pe- 
" nure and cruel fortune have oppressed, and be not 
'^ of power to gete their lyving either by craft or any 
^' other bodily labour : whereby, that at the daie of 
" the last judgement he may take his part with them 
'^ that shal be saved. This considering, the foresayde 
^^ worthy and notable merchaunt Eichard Whitting- 
'' ton, the which while he leved had ryght liberal and 
'^ large hands to the needy and poure people, charged 
" streitly on his death bed us his foresayde executors to 
^^ ordeyne a house of almes, after his death, for per- 
" petual sustentation of such poure people as is tofore 
" rehersed, and thereupon fully he declared his will 
" unto us." 



28 

They tlien go on to relate their manner of ful- 
filling his injunction_, and to lay down regulations to 
be thereafter observed 7. 

On the 12th of May, 1423, Whityngton's executors 
obtained letters patent from the kingz, authorizing 
them, in fulfilment of the will of Whityngton, to pull 
down and rebuild the city gate called Newgate, and 
the gaol there. The grounds on which this measure 
was rendered necessary are stated to have been, that 
the prison was " feble^^ (or decayed), " over litel, and 
^^ so contagious of eyre that it caused the deth of many 
" men^/^ Besides executing this public and expensive 
work, they erected several bosses in various parts of 
the city for supplying spring water ; repaired the ho- 
spital of Saint Bartholomew in West Smithfield, and 
contributed largely to the building and furnishing 
with books the library at the convent of the Grey 
Friars, and also to the completing of the present 
Guildhall ; and, adjoining to the chapel attached to 
the last-mentioned building, they, in conjunction with 
the executors of William Bury, erected " a fayre and 
^^ large liberarye" for preser^dng the books and other 
documents of the corporation inb. They likewise 

y Maitland's History of London, vol. ii. p. 1043 ; Report of Charity 
Commissioners, No. 32^ part ii. p. 453. 

z Rotuli Patentium 1 Hen. VI., m, 31 ; and Liter K, fo. 13. 

a Rotuli Parliamentorum, vol. iv. p. 370. 

b Stow's Survey, ed. 1603, pp. 210, 303, 364, 376, 320, 273, 277. 
Stow, speaking of this library, says, " The books were in the raign 



29 

obtained a charter from the king, dated the 14th of 
February, 3d of Hen. VI., 1425 ^, confirming a grant 
of Richard the Second, whereby the IMercers of Lon- 
don (of which mistery Whityngton was a member) 
were created a brotherhood, with a chaplain and four 
keepers, for the relief of such of their mistery as should 
come to decay from misfortunes of the sea and other 
casualties ; and granting that thenceforth the keepers 
and commonalty of the said mistery should have a 
common seal, and be able in law to plead and be im- 
pleaded. The effect of this charter was to make the 
mistery (what it had not previously been) a corporate 
body, with perpetual succession and other legal inci- 
dents. Perhaps as a consequence of this valuable boon 
Carpenter was solicited to become a member of the 
new corporation, for we find him afterwards occasion- 
ally described as citizen and Mercer. 

In 1430, Carpenter obtained a licence from the 
king, dated 1 2th of January, to found a chantry for 
one chaplain, in the chapel of the Virgin Mary over 
the charnel on the north side of the church of Saint 
Paul, with an endowment of eight marks ayear^^; 
which he accordingly founded by an ordinance dated 

" of Edward the 6. sent for by Edward Duke of Somerset, Lorde 
" Protector, with promise to be restored shortly. Men laded from 
" thence three carres.with tbem, bnt they were never returned."— 
Survey, p. 276. 

c Rot. Pat. 3 Hen. VI. p. 2, m. 18 ; and Liber K, fo. 175b. 

d Rot. Pat. 8 Hen. VI. m. 21 ; and Liler K, fo. 78 b. 



30 

on the feast of tlie Exaltation of the Holy Cross (14th 
September) following e. In this ordinance he expressly 
declares the endowment to be made with certain goods 
of Richard Whityngton and others entrusted to his 
administration. 

It was probably about the same time that he " caus- 
^' ed/^ as Stow relates f '' with great expenses^ to bee 
" curiously painted upon boord about the north cloy- 
" ster of Paules_, a monument of Death leading all 
'' estates,, with the speeches of Deaths and answere of 
" everie state/^ Concerning which painting a more 
particular account is given by the same author^ in 
another place^ as follows s : ^^ There was also one great 
" cloyster on the north side of this church [St. Paul's], 
'^ invironing a plot of ground^ of old time called Par- 
'' don churchyard^ whereof Thomas More^ deane of 
" Paul's^ was either the first builder or a most especial 
^' benefactor, and was buried there. About this cloy- 
" ster was artificially and richly painted the Dance of 

e Dugdale's History of St. PauVs (1638), p. 274, Appendix. 

f Stow's Survey, p, 110, 

g Stow's Survey, p. 329. 

h This designation has been generally understood to have been de- 
rived from the name of Machabre, or Macaber, who is said to have 
been a German poet and physician, and to have been the original 
author of the verses that have usually accompanied the painting of the 
Dance of Death {vide Pennant's London, vol. ii, p. 135 ; Brayley's Lon- 
diniana, vol. iii. p. 1/1) ; but the late Francis Douce, esq., F.S. A., in a 
very learned work entitled '' The Dance of Death, exhibited in elegant 
engi'avings on wood ; with a Dissertation on the several representa- 
tions of that subject, but more particularly of those ascribed to Ma- 



31 

'' Machabray ^, or Dance of Death_, commonly called 
" tlie Dance of Paulas ; the like whereof was painted 
'' about St. Innocent^s cloyster at Paris^ in France. 
" The meters or poesie of this dance were translated 
^^ out of French into English by John Lidgate^ monke 
" of Bury ; the picture of Death leading all estates ; 
" at the dispence of Jenken Carpenter, in the reign 
" of Henry the Sixt." He adds that " in this cloyster 
" were buryed many persons, some of worship and 
" others of honour ; the monuments of whom, in num- 
" ber and curious workmanship, passed all other that 
" were in that church." After giving some further 
particulars respecting a library and chapel which oc- 
cupied part of the same site, he concludes by stating 
that " in the year 1549, on the 10th of April, the 
'^ said chappell, by commaundement of the Duke of 
" Sommerset, was begun to bee pulled downe, with 
'^ the whole cloystrie, the Daunce of Death, thetombes 
" and monuments, so that nothing thereof was left 

caber and Hans Holbein" (1833, 8vo), takes great pains to prove this 
to be an error, and maintains that " there never was a German or any 
" poet whatever bearing such a name as Macaber." His opinion is that 
" Macaber" is a corruption of '^' Macaire" (the French mode of spelling 
Macarius), the name of a saint who was one of the principal figures in 
a painting by Andrew Orgagna, in the Campo Santo at Pisa, repre- 
senting the story of a French metrical work of the thirteenth century, 
entitled Les trois Morts et les trois Vifs. He also states, chap. iii. 
p. 28-34, that " the earliest authority that has been traced for the 
" name of Danse Macabre belongs to the painting at the church of 
" the Innocents at Paris," a.d. 1424; and that that painting has pre- 
fixed to it the story of Les trois Morts et les trois Vifs. 



32 

^^ but the bare plot of ground^ wliicli is since convert- 
'^ ed into a garden for the pettie canons i/' 

Stow says that the bones of the dead which had 
been '^ couched up in a charnell under the chapel 
^^ were convaied from thence into Finsbery field (by 
'^ report of him who paid for the carriage) ;, amounting 
'■^ to more than a thousand cart loads_, and there laid 
^^ on a moorish ground^ in short space after raised by 
^' soylage of the citie to beare three milles." " This 
^^ indecorous disinterment and removal of the dead" 
(says Mr. Brayleyk)_, " was the occasion of exciting 
'' much odium against the Protector Somerset ; and 
'' his great enemy, the Earl of Warwick_, made it one 
'^ of the means of accelerating his ruin." 

Although Stow only mentions one place besides 
Saint PauFs where a painted representation of the 
Dance of Death was exhibited, it appears from Mr. 
Douce^s Dissertation 1 that '' the subject was very often 
^' represented, not only on the walls, but in the win- 
^' dows of many churches, in the cloisters of mona- 
^^ steries, and even on bridges, especially in Germany 
'^ and Switzerland ; it was also sometimes painted on 
^^ church screens, and occasionally sculptured on them, 
^' as well as upon the fronts of domestic dwellings «»." 



i This spoliation was made by the Protector Somerset^, in order to 
obtain materials for building his palace in the Strand. — Heylin's His- 
tory of the Reformation, p. 5^3. k Londiniana, vol. iii. p. 138. 

1 Chap. ii. p. 17. 



33 

Previously to its becoming a subject of pictorial art^ 
we learn from Warton^s History of English. Poetry n 
that it used to be represented in a kind of spiritual 
masquerade by ecclesiastics^ babited in person and 
character; and as thus acted it is supposed that it may 
have been alluded to in the Visions of Pierce Plow- 
man^ written perhaps as early as 1350. 

The most celebrated of the paintings of the Death 
Dance (and which was in existence until about the 
year 1806) was that at Basil in Switzerland_, in the 
churchyard formerly belonging to the convent of Do- 
minicans. The name of the artist who executed this 
painting is unknown ; it was for a long period attri- 
buted to Hans Holbein^ but Walpole^ in his Anecdotes 
of Painting_, has clearl}^ shown this to be an error_, it 
having been executed some years before Holbein was 
born ; it_, however,, probably suggested to that artist^ 
who was a native of the place^ the painting on that 
subject which he did execute^ though it seems doubt- 
ful whether that which has been repeatedly engraved 
and published as his was really his production. 

The immediate cause of this representation at Basil 
is stated by Walpole ° to have arisen from the plague 
which raged there^ and carried off people of all de- 



m A mutilated carving of it in wood still exists in the cemetery of 
Saint Maclou at Rouen. 

n Vol. ii. pp. 43 and 364, 8vo edition. 
o Anecdotes of Painting, vol. i. p. 123. 

D 



34 

greeSj during tlie sitting of the General Council at 
Easily which began to meet in 1431. On the cessation 
of that calamity^ the painting was executed on the 
walls of a cloister^ and is said to have been intended 
both as a memorial and a warning P. And_, on the 
supposition that the date of the painting at St. Paul's 
was subsequent to the year 1438^ in which year the 
pestilence extended its ravages into this country^ with 
the addition of a famine_, it is not improbable that^ in 
having this appalling dance pourtrayed in the new 
cloisters at St. Paul's^ Carpenter was actuated by the 
same motives that are ascribed to the inhabitants of 
Basil,, and that it was intended both as a memorial 
and a moral lesson. 

In the latter character reference is made by Sir 
Thomas More^ in treating of the remembrance of 
deaths to " the Dance of Death pictured in PoulesQ;'' 
and a writer of our own day^ in a tale founded on 
events which occurred in the age in which this cele- 
brated picture was set up^ has ingeniously introduced 
the subject in the same spirit. Two friends are re- 
presented as viewing the buildings about the ancient 
cathedral church of St. Paul^ and especially the cloi- 
sters round the burial place called Pardon Church- 



P Mr. Douce states that nearly all the convents of the Dominicans 
had a Dance of Death ; and remarks that^ as these friars were Preachers 
by profession, the subject must have been exceedingly useful in sup- 
plying texts and matter for their sermons. — Dissertation, p. 36. 



35 

hsiW, when one addresses the other in the following 
moralizing strain r : 

'^ Look round these cloisters^ and behold how 
^' choicely they are embellished with the Dance of 
" Death. Truly this is a meet representation for a 
'^ burial-place. See you there how the grim spectre 
^' assaileth the gay gallant^ who thought himself right 
^^ well defended by a flask of sack from all calamity. 
^' Then behold the glutton^ who in vain prayeth that 
" the fearful dart shall be stayed from him while that 
^^ he finisheth his peacock pye. The fair dame_, before 
" her polished mirror of purest metal^ on which no 
^^ spot of rust might in any case be endured^ for it 
^^ would hide so much of her comely fleshy falleth in 
^^ her youth ; while the grim great-grandmother in 
^' eighty years hath not acquired cunning sufficient to 
^^ elude his swift pursuit. The beggar cannot crouch 
" so low but he is found out. And further on^ mark 
" you the king with crown on head_, sceptre in hand, 
'^ and sword by side ; he cannot, with all his armies at 
" his back, make such show of stomach as shall scare 
^^ the destroyer from advancing.^^ 

This far-famed painting consisted of a long train of 
all orders of mankind, from the pope to the very low- 
est of the species, each figure having for a partner 
the spectral personification of death, who was repre- 

q More's works, edit. 1557, folio, p. 77. 

r The Lollards, by Mr. Gaspey, 1822, vol. ii. p. 291. 

d2 



36 

sented leading the sepulchral dance^ and shaking the 
last sands from his waning hourglass. The colloquial 
stanzas between Death and his victims^ which existed 
both in German and Latin^ were translated into 
French ; and it was from the latter language that Lid- 
gate made his English versification for the picture 
about St. Paulas s_, which verses are to be found in 
Dugdale's history of that chui'ch *_, as well as in his 
Monasticon Anglicanum ". 

It may be here remarked that this picture^ and the 
accompanying verses by Lidgate^ exhibit Carpenter 
somewhat in the character of an encourager of two of 
the fine arts_, painting and poetry^ and seem to point 
to a personal acquaintance with Lidgate^ the monk of 
Bury_, one of the most versatile writers of his age. 

We have seen how sedulously Carpenter laboured 
faithfully to fulfil the trusts of those who made him 
the administrator of their benefactions. We may per- 
ceive also^ from the fact now about to be mentioned^ 
that he endeavoured,, with equally laudable anxiety^ 
to prevent the abuse of a trust by others, and to re- 
store the proper application of a bequest which had 
been left for charitable purposes, but had been per- 

s Brayley's Zondmiana, vol. iii. pp. 173-4 ; '' The Dance of Death 
" from the original designs of Hans Holbein, engraved by W. Hollar, 
''with descriptions in English and French," 1818, pp. 14, 15; and 
Donee's Dissertation on the Dance of Death, 1833, passim. M. Lan- 
glois of Eouen it is believed has also published a work on the same 
subject. t Edit. 1818, p. 419. 



37 

verted, by those who were entrusted to dispense it, to 
sinister uses. 

The rolls of the parliament held in the 9th of 
Henry VI., 1430 ^^ contain a petition from Carpenter, 
complaining of the nonpayment of a sum of four 
marks "per annum, which had been devised for the 
relief of the prisoners in Newgate, by Sir John Pul- 
teney, knight, formerly mayor of London, to be paid 
by the master and priests of the chapel of Corpus 
Christi beside the church of St. Lawrence in Candle- 
wick street, out of lands left to them, but which they 
refused to pay, as no power was given by the will to 
distrain for the same. Carpenter therefore prayed a 
remedy, by the grant of a power to distrain upon the 
lands charged with the payment thereof. The petition 
was complied with, and he procured letters patent 
from the king, dated 12th of January, 1431, autho- 
rizing the mayor and chamberlain of the city for the 
time being to distrain for the amount whenever it 
should be in arrear Y. 

This praiseworthy proceeding affords a happy illus- 
tration to a remark of the quaint Dr. Fuller, who, in 
his History of Cambridge, says, " I conceive this is 
'' the best benefaction : to recover the diverted dona- 
" tions of former benefactors ; partly because it keep- 
" eth the dead from being wronged, restoring their 

u Tom. iii. p. 367. x Rot. Pari., vol. iv. p. 370. 

y RotuU Patentium 9 Hen. VI. pt. 1, m. 14 ; and Liber K^ fo. 86. 



38 

" gifts according to their true intention ; partly be- 
'^ cause it keepeth the living from doing wrong, and 
_ _^ '' continuing their unjust detentions ^/^ 
r On the 23d of February, 1431, the city granted to 

Carpenter and his wife Katherine (and by this we 
learn the fact of his being a married man) a lease of 
some premises in the parish of St. Peter, Cornhill, in 
the ward of Lime-street, for a term of eighty years, 
on condition of annually rendering for the same a red 
rose {unam rosam ruheam) ^, for the first thirty years, 
and a yearly rent of twenty shillings for the remainder 
of the term b. The document describes the premises 
in question as adjoining on one side the garden of 
Lord De la Zouch, whose house, we learn from Stow ^, 
abutted on the high street, then called Cornhill street, 
but now Leadenhall street. As it is clear that Carpen- 
ter resided in these premises (for he mentions the fact 
in his wiU), it is worth recording that the spot now 
forms part of the market at Leadenhall. 

The terms on which Carpenter obtained this grant 
appear singularly favourable, and perhaps may have 
been designed as some acknowledgement of his past 
services to the city (for he had at that time been Town 
Clerk about fourteen years), or at least may be re- 



z Fuller's History of Cambridge, p. 72. 

a The red rose was the distinguishing badge of the Lancaster family, 
of which Henry the Sixth, then king, was a member. 
^ Liber K, fo. 86 b. c Stow's Survey, p. 153. 



39 

garded as a mark of the estimation in which they were 
held. This view is somewhat confirmed by another 
grant of a difierent kindy made some years later. 

On the 14th of December^ 1436^ the city^ in order 
to show their sense of the value of the services he had 
rendered them_, and that he might thereafter enjoy 
the greater quiet and tranquillity,, granted him a pa- 
tent of exemption^ under their common seal^ from all 
summonses^ watches^ assizes^ juries^ recognizances^ 
inquisitions^ and assemblies whatsoever^ within the 
city^ and from being compellable against his will to 
take any other burthen or ofSce than that which he 
then sustained <^. This privilege^ which must have 
been a very important one in those days^ was possess- 
ed by but very few persons^ and was never conferred 
on any one but under some special circumstances^ 
such as the rendering of important public services, 
and not unfrequently in return for the payment of a 
considerable sum of money. 

The terms of this grant would appear to indicate 
that Carpenter at this time began to entertain a wish 
to be relieved from the burthen of some of the pubUc 
duties to which he was liable, and to prepare for re- 
tirement into private life ; but it shows the high place 
which he occupied in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, 
as well as the generous character of his own feelings, 

d Liber K, fo. 165. 



40 

that, notwithstanding this privilege of exemption, 
he in the same year was elected one of the represen- 
tatives of the city in a parliament summoned in the 
first instance to meet at Cambridge, but subsequently 
determined to be held at Westminster. The election 
for the city was made in an assembly of the mayor, 
aldermen, and commonalty, and is recorded in these 
words : 

'^ Tuesday the 20th day of November, in the 
'' fifteenth year of Henry the Sixth (1436). 

" This day Henry Frowyk and Thomas Catworth, 
" aldermen, were elected for the Parliament, by the 
" said mayor and aldermen; and John Carpenter, 
" junior, and Nicholas Yoo, draper, were elected for 
^' the Parliament by the commonalty e/^ 

One of the chief reasons for holding this parlia- 
ment, which met on 21st January, 1437^ was to obtain 
money to carry on the war in which the country was 
involved with France; and accordingly, amongst other 
measures, a grant was procured of a tenth and a fif- 
teenth, to be levied on the property of the laity, and 
to be payable, the one half within the ensuing year, 
and the other half in the year following ^. 

Upon a grant of this sort being made in parlia- 
ment, the representatives of each particular county, 
city, and borough were, in the estimation of the law, 

e Journal No. 3, fo, 1 and 129 b. f Rot. Pari., vol. iv. p. 502. 



41 

looked upon as having made it so far as regarded their 
respective localities^ and were required to nominate 
tlie collectors^ and return their names to the Chan- 
cery; upon which letters patent^ appointing the per- 
sons so named_, and requiring them to account for 
their collections to the Exchequer^ were issued by the 
crown g. The nomination made by Carpenter and his 
colleagues^ of the collectors of the tax imposed as 
above mentioned,, is^ in accordance with his charac- 
teristic love of order and preciseness^ entered on the 
city^s records in the form of a Latin document^ of 
which the following is a translation : 

" The present indenture witnesseth that Henry 
" Frowyk and Thomas Catteworth^ aldermen, John 
^^ Carpenter, junior, and Nicholas Yoo, commoners, 
" the four citizens elected for the city of London 
" to be in the parliament of our lord the king, held 
^' at Westminster on the 21st day of January in the 
" fifteenth year of his reign, have nominated the four 
'' persons underwritten, to levy, collect, and receive 
" the tenth granted to our lord the king in the same 
" parliament, by the men of the city aforesaid ; viz. 

" Thomas Bernewell and ) 

rr T X, A XI, -1 ( Aldermen. 

" John Atheile, ) 

" William Deer, pewterer, ) ^ 

cc y X. ^liT XX J \ Commoners h/^ 

'^ John Wotton, draper, j 

g Rot. Pari, vol. v. p. 25. h Liber K, fo. 165 b. 



42 

The important position which Carpenter occupied 
at this time is also evident by a curious and interest- 
ing fact connected with the corporate history of the 
city of Norwich. 

In the year 1437^ in consequence of various con- 
tests between the citizens of Norwich and the autho- 
rities of several ecclesiastical establishments there and 
in the neighbourhood,, in which the citizens rendered 
themselves liable to the displeasure of the crown^ their 
liberties were seized into the king^s hands^ who^ dis- 
placing the mayor and other fanctionaries^ appointed 
as custos or warden of the city^ John Welles^ an alder- 
man of London^ who had been lord mayor in 1431. 
WelleSj although armed with arbitrary power^ seems 
to have used his authority with great discretion^ and 
in a conciliatory spirit ; and^ after holding the office 
about a year, he promoted an application to the crown 
for a restoration of the hberties. Amongst the means 
employed for this purpose was the obtaining the coun- 
sel and aid of John Carpenter, to whom a joint ap- 
plication was made by Welles and the citizens of 
Norwich, to request his intercession with the king's 
council. The pressing necessities of the king occa- 
sioned by the continued war in France, and the offers 
of voluntary aid on the part of the citizens, operated in 
furtherance of the desired object ; and when, through 
the interference of Carpenter, the matter was brought 
under the notice of the privy council (although a 



43 

disposition was shown by the king^s advisers to take 
advantage of so favourable an opportunity of making 
heavy exactions from the citizens) ^ it was agreed that 
the terms of submission should be prescribed and set- 
tled by the archbishop of York i and Carpenter ; and 
the result was that_, in 1439^ the citizens of Norwich 
had their liberties and franchises fuUy restored to 
them K 

Some time about this period Carpenter resigned 
his office of Town Clerk_, which he had held upwards 
of twenty-one years. It is somewhat singular that no 
entry is to be found in the city^s records of his resig- 
nation, as in the case of his predecessor, though there 
is one of the appointment of his successor, a Richard 
Barnet, or Bernat, on the 4th of October, 1438 K 

In the following year the king issued a writ, dated 
36th September, 1439, convening another parliament; 
and on this occasion Carpenter was again selected to 
represent the city, in conjunction with Sir William 
Estfeld, knight, and Robert Clopton, aldermen, and 
Galfrid Feldyng, commoner. In the record of this 



i John Kemp, who had been successively bishop of Rochester, 
Chichester, and London. He was at this time lord treasurer, and 
afterwards became a cardinal, lord chancellor, and archbishop of Can- 
terbury. He died in 1454. — Heylin's Help to English History ; Turner's 
History of England, vol. iii. pp. 164, 169, IT'S. 

fe Blomefield's History of Norwich, I?' 95, p. 106; Sir Harris Nico- 
las's Proceedings, <Scc., of Privy Coimcil, vol. v. pp. xxxii.-xxxiv. 

1 Journal No. 3, fo. 164. 



V 



44 

election he is described as " late common clerk of the 
^' city in." He was the only one of the four who had 
been sent to the preceding parliament ; and as it was 
the general practice at that time to choose men who 
had not served the city in that capacity before,, his 
selection a second time may be regarded as a strong 
testimony of the estimation in which his fellow-citi- 
zens held his sendees. 

This parliament assembled at Westminster on the 
12th November, and continued its sittings there until 
the 21st December, when it was prorogued until the 
14th of January, and ordered to meet at Reading. 

In connection with this parliament the records of 
the city contain two or three very curious entries, 
which are well deserving of notice. One of them, 
which is dated the day preceding the meeting at West- 
minster, is to the following effect ; viz,, " Wednesday 
'' the 11th day of November [18 Hen. VI., 1439, the 
mayor and thirteen aldermen being present]. This 
^^ day very many of the more notable citizens of the 
'^ city were appointed to consider of those things 
^^ which might seem advantageous for the city and 
^^ the kingdom, and to intimate them to Sir William 
^^ Estfeld, knight, and his fellows elected for the par- 
^^ liament now coming °." That a written communica- 
tion of the kind alluded to was made in consequence 

m Journal No. 3, fo. 25 b. This election is not mentioned in the list 
of representatives in Maitland's History of London, vol. ii. p. 1197. 



45 

to the city members is apparent by an entry_, of a date 
subsequent to tbe adjournment to Reading, in these 
words : ^' Thursday, 25th day of February [1440] . 
'^ Let a letter be written to Sir William Estfield to 
parliament o/^ And afterwards there is another brief 
but significant entry that, " This day was declared the 
report of the knights who were at the parliament ; 
viz. J Estfeld, Clopton, Carpenter, and Feldyng P." 

These particulars clearly present to view the fact 
that the doctrines which have sometimes been put 
forth in modern times, with regard to the relative 
positions of a representative and his constituents, may 
derive some support from the precedents of a former 
age. For, in the instance before us, it appears that 
the representatives of the city were instructed as to 
the views and opinions of their constituents, upon 
matters of both local and general importance, and 
that they afterwards rendered an account of their 
proceedings, for the satisfaction of those whom they 
represented. ^„..™^ 

It appears now to have become a settled desire with ' 
Carpenter to retire from public life altogether, for we 
find that, in 1439, the year of his last election to par- 
liament, he obtained letters patent from the king, 
dated 3d of December, 18th of Henry VI., exempting 
him for the whole of his life from all military and 

n Journal No. 3, fo. 29. o lUd, fo. 35 b. 

P lUd, fo. 3/^ b. 



k 



46 

civil duties whatsoever, among which are included be- 
ing returned to parliament^ and receiving the honour 
of knighthood q. This patent,, the original of which is 
still extant amongst the Cottonian manuscripts in the 
British Museum ^, is to the following eflPect : 
'^ R. H.s 
'^ The King to all his bailiffs and faithful people 
'^ greeting. Know ye that of our special grace, at the 
" humble request and for the ease of our dearly be- 
" loved John Carpenter the younger, late secretary of 
" our city of London, who in services to us and our 
^^ progenitors there and elsewhere, from the times of 
" his youth, not without great pains and unwearied 
" loyalty, as well commendably as faithfully hath la- 
^^ boured earnestly, we have given and granted, for us 
'^ and our heirs, as much as in us is, to the same John, 
'^ that he for the whole of his life shall have these 
" liberties, that is to say. That he shall not be placed 

q By a statute of the time of Edward the Second, persons who had 
land of 201. ayear in fee or for hfe were obliged to take the order of 
knighthood. (Fosbroke's Encyclopcedia of Antiquities, vol. ii. p. 7'48.) 
In Maitland's History of London, vol. i. p. 12?', will be found a copy 
of a writ, addressed to the sheriffs, 18 Edw. III., 1344, requiring all 
citizens who possessed 40?. ayear in fee to become knights. This was 
done to assist the king in raising means for prosecuting his wars in 
France. And at the very time that Carpenter obtained the above 
gTant, many persons who were liable to the imposition of knighthood, 
and refused to receive it, were obliged to submit to fines. Indeed the 
practice of extorting fines on this pretence was carried to such an ex- 
tent, that the Commons petitioned that it might be enacted that no 
man should be fined twice for not receiving knighthood, but the Crown 



47 

" nor impanelled in any great assize arrayed or to be 
'' arrayed witHn onr realm of England^ nor in any 
" other assizes,, juries^ inquisitions^ attaints^ or reviews 
" whatsoever^ although they may affect us or our 
^^ heirs ; nor be sworn or placed upon the trial of any 
^^ arraignment^ assize^ or panels before whatsoever jus- 
^' tices of us or our heirs to be taken. And that he 
^' shall not be appointed nor assigned a leader^ tryer^ 
^^ or array er of men at arms, hobellers *, or archers ; 
'^ nor custumer, searcher, comptroller, taxer, or col- 
^^ lector of any customs, taxes, talliages, aids, or subsi- 
^' dies whatsoever, to us or our heirs howsoever grant- 
^^ ed or to be granted. And that henceforth he shall 
'^ not be nor be elected knight for any county, nor 
" citizen for any city, to come to the parliaments of 
'^ us or our heirs. And that he shall not be made 
^^ mayor, sheriff, escheator, coroner, constable, bailiff, 
^^ justice of the peace or of sewers, nor other commis- 

refased its assent to the bill. — Nicolas's Proceedings, &c., of the Privy 
Cowicil, vol. V. preface, p. xxiii.-xxiv. 

r Bibl, Cotton., Vespasian C. xiv. fo. 277. 

s These initials are in the king's autograph. It was a customary 
practice in Saxon times for sovereigns to attach their royal mark or 
sign to charters and grants. Several of the early charters of the Con- 
queror exist, bearing his mark ; but after the conquest it is rare to find 
any such, the general use of seals having entirely superseded for many 
centuries the custom of manual subscription. — Archceological Jownal, 
No. 15, September, 1847, p. 251. 

t Horsemen very lightly mounted for reconnoitering, carrying in- 
telligence, haiTassing, <&c., similar to the Cossacks. — Fosbroke's Ency- 
clopcedia of Antiquities, vol. ii. p. 840. 



48 

" sioner^ officer_, or minister whatsoever of us or our 
'^ heirs. And that he shall not by any means be con- 
'^ strained or compelled by us or our heirs_, nor by the 
" justices or ministers of us or our heirs whatsoever^ 
*' to take upon him the degree of knighthood_, or any 
" of the burthens, offices, or employments aforesaid, 
" or hereafter to undergo, perform, or occupy any 
" other office, but therefrom shall be wholly free and 
" entirely exempted by these presents. And further 
" of our abundant grace we have given and granted to 
" the same John, for us and our heirs, that although 
'' he may be hereafter chosen, ordained, or assigned to 
" any of the burthens, offices, or employments afore- 
'^ said, or to undergo, perform, or occupy any other 
" office, contrary to the force, form, or effect of this 
" our present grant, and shall refuse to undertake, 
^' perform, or occupy such offices or burthens, yet by 
'' occasion of such contempt he shall not in any wise 
" incur any fine, forfeiture, loss, or damage, in body 
" or goods, but that our own present charter of ex- 
" emption, by the aforesaid John or any other whom- 
" soever in his name, before whatsoever justices and 
" ministers of us and our heirs in whatsoever place of 
" record through our whole realm aforesaid, shown," 
'' upon such showing shall surely take effect and be 
^' allowed to the same John without any other writ or 
" process for that purpose further to be prosecuted, 
^^ or proclamation to be made. And therefore we 



49 

'^ command that the same John be not contrary to 
'^ our present grant in any manner disturbed or bur- 
" thened. In testimony whereof^ ^c. 
" Witness, ^cJ' 

" W. P. LE Bardolf, Chamberlain u/^ 

Although Carpenter was now free from the ties of A 

office, and the obligation to perform any kind of pub- 
Kc duty, it is quite certain that he did not lead a life 
of inactivity. He continued to devote a portion of his 
time to voluntary acts of usefulness, and probably to 
engage with increased devotedness in the duties inci- 
dent to the connection which we shall presently see 
he had formed with several religious brotherhoods in 
the city. Besides this, it would appear that the city 
were stUl desirous of occasionally availing themselves 
of his acquaintance with municipal affairs, and his 
general legal knowledge and abilities. Hence we find 
that, on the 10th of June, 1440, the mayor and alder- 
men voted him twenty marks for certain labours which 
he had performed for the city, but what they were is 
not specified ^. Again, in the following year he was 
engaged as counsel for the city in the Star-chamber, 
in a suit instituted by the dean of the collegiate church 
of St. Martin-le-grand, complaining of the sheriffs of 

u This document^ which is in Latin, has been published in the 
Proceedings and Ordinances of the Privy Cowncil, edited by Sir Harris 
Nicolas, 8vo, 1835, vol. v. p. 111. x Journal'^o.Z, fo. 44. 



50 

the city having violated the privilege of sanctuary be- 
longing to that churchy by the forcible seizure of an 
offender who had fled thither after being rescued from 
the custody of one of their officers. There is stiU ex- 
tant in the records of the city a petition from the 
sheriffs to the common council^ setting forth the facts 
which had occurred_, and that they had been griev- 
ously menaced by the authorities of the church for 
what they had done ; and they prayed that the matter 
might be communed of with the counsel of the city^ 
J/ and in especial with John Carpenter; and that the 

defence might be conducted at the common cost of 
the city, ^' considering" (as they say) " that this cause 
^^ is every freeman's cause, and the good and true 
" keeping and defending of the liberties of this fa- 
'^ mous city is the welfare of every man that is inha- 
" bitant therein y". Stow says^, on the authority of 
a book written by one of the officers of St. Martin's, 
that '^ the complaint and suit was learnedly answered 
'^ by the citizens, by their counsel Markham, Ser- 
'^ jeant-at-law, and John Carpenter, late Common 
" Clerk of the city, who offered to prove that the said 
" place of St. Martin had no such immunity or liberty 
'^ as was pretended;'' and that Carpenter (so con- 
fident and so earnest was he) ^' offered to lose his 
^^ livelihood if that church had more immunity than 

y UUr K, fo. 189. z Sv.wey, p. 309. 



51 

" the least church in London." So serious an assault 
upon a privilege which the church in those times 
cherished with extreme tenacity was hardly likely to 
be successful^, and the matter terminated in judge- 
ment being given in favour of the dean and against 
the city. But the case led to several improved regu- 
lations being laid down with regard to the privilege 
of sanctuary at St. Martin's a. 

About the same time that he was thus serving the 
city^ by stoutly defending their liberties against the 
mischievous abuses and encroachments of ecclesias- 
tical power^ we find him acting the humbler part of 
an arbitrator for the settlement of differences between 
two private individuals. On Thursday the 16th of 
March, 1441, it is recorded that '' This day T. Seynt 
" John and William Morys mutually promised to 
'^ stand by the arbitrement of the Recorder and John 
'' Carpenter, in all causes pending between the afore- 
/^ said parties b/^ So acceptable were his services as a 
man of probity, uprightness, and sagacity, that the 
king and his council, a municipal body, or a private 
individual, were equally ready to confide matters of 
importance which concerned their interests to his 
judicious management and decision. 

a Liler K^ fo. 298 b ; and Kempe's Historical Notices of the Collegiate 
Church of St. Martin-le-grand (where the arguments employed on each 
side are set forth at some length), pp. 123-130, and p, 146. 

b Journal No. 3, fo. 80. 

e2 



52 

In the same year in which the last-mentioned 
events occurred_, namely 1441, it appears a grant was 
made by the king, of the manor of Thebaudes (or 
Theobalds), in the village of Cheshunt in the county 
of Hertford, with its appurtenances, to John Carpen- 
ter, master of St. Anthony^s hospital in London, John 
Somerset, chancellor of the king^s Exchequer c_, and 
John Carpenter junior, citizen of London; to hold 
the same of the crown by the annual render of one 
bow of the value of two shillings, or two shillings in 
money, and one barbed arrow of the value of three- 
pence, or three-pence in money ^. And shortly after- 
wards the same persons received from the king a grant 
of divers privileges and exemptions in the said manor e. 
The person here styled " John Carpenter junior" was 
the subject of the present memoir; the other person 
of the same name was a man of some note, who had 
been provost of Oriel college in Oxford, and in 1437 
was chancellor of that university ; in 1444 he was ap- 
pointed bishop of Worcester, and filled that see until 
his death in 1476. He was a great benefactor to the 
cathedral church and diocese of Worcester, as weU as 

c Fuller mentions him as a '* learned writer/' and a benefactor to 
King's college, Cambridge. He was also one of the compilers of the 
statutes of that college on its foundation by Henry the Sixth in 1444. 
Eot. Pari, vol.v, pp. 87, 163. 

d Lysons's Environs of London, vol. iv. p. 29 ; Calendarium Rotido- 
rum Patentium, p. 283, 19 Hen. VI. 

e Rot Pat. 19 Hen. VI. part 2, m. 27. 



53 

to the university of Oxford,, in wMcli he had been 
brought up. He was buried at his native village of 
Westbury upon Trin^ near Bristol, where a plain altar 
monument was erected to his memory, with a skele- 
ton lying on the top of it f. 

The hospital of St. Anthony, for whose benefit the 
above grants were made, was an establishment in 
Threadneedle street, founded in the reign of Henry 
the Third, by the brethren of St. Anthony of Vienne 
in France s : it consisted of a master, two priests, a 
schoolmaster, and twelve poor brethren, besides their 
proctors and other officers and servants, and it would 
appear that our John Carpenter was at this time con- 
nected with it as one of the members or officers. 

The school at St. Anthony^s hospital appears to 
have long enjoyed a high celebrity, and in the scho- 
lastic disputations amongst the grammar schools in 
London, according to the testimony of Stow, com- 
monly presented the best scholars. He says, " out 
" of this school have sprung divers famous persons. 



f Thomas's Account of the Bishops of Worcester, 1736, p. 196 ; Green's 
History of Worcester, 1796, vol. i, p. 196 ; A. Wood's History of the Uni- 
verdty of Oxford, by Gutch, 1786, pp. 96, 124-6, 674, and App. p. 47. 
An interesting account of the condition in which the sepulchre of 
Bishop Carpenter was recently discovered, by the Rev. William Massie 
of Chester, is given, with several engravings, in the Journal of the 
Chester Archaeological Society, part iii. (1854), p. 352. 

g Tanner's Notitia Monastica, by Nasmith, 1787 : Middlesex, viii. 
London, 28. The building lately known as the Hall of Commerce now 
occupies part of the site of St. Anthony's hospital. 



54 

*' whereof^ although time hatli buried the names of 
^^ many_, yet in mine own remembrance may be num- 
^' bered these following : Sir Thomas More, knight, 
" lord^chancellor of England, Dr. Nicholas Heath, 
" some time bishop of Rochester, after of Worcester, 
" and lastly archbishop of York and lord chancellor 
'^ of England, Dr. John Whitgift, bishop of Wor- 
" cester and after archbishop of Canterbury, ^c.'^^\ 
The celebrated Dean Colet, the founder of St. PauFs 
school, was also educated at St. Anthony's i. 

Carpenter's life of active usefulness was now draw- 
ing to a close. Although not an aged man, his evident 
desire to withdraw from the fatigues and cares of pub- 
lic life, and the language employed in the grants of 
exemption which he procured both from the city and 
the crown, seem to imply that he may have been the 
subject of impaired health, or of some bodily infirmity 
tending to shorten life. 

The writer of this biography has not been able to 
trace any event in Carpenter's hfe subsequent to the 
date of the occurrences last mentioned. The gift 
which he made to the city for purposes of education 
had long caused it to be an object of great desire that 
his Will, by which the trust is supposed to have been 
estabhshed, but of which no copy had ever been known 

li Stow's Survey f p. J'5. i Knight's Life of Colet. 



55 

to be in the possession of the corporation^, should be 
brought to light; but^ after very diligent search in 
many probable quarters_, that important document is 
still undiscovered. The search_, however,, has not been 
entirely a fruitless one^ for the writer had the grati- 
fication^ a few years back^ of discovering amongst the 
records of the Commissary Court of London^ kept in 
the cathedral of St. Paul^ a will of John Carpenter^ 
whichj although it does not relate to the disposition 
of his lands and tenements (which, according to a 
common practice in his time, formed the subject of a 
separate will), yet supplies valuable information on 
many other points, and gives a most interesting in- 
sight into a variety of particulars of a personal cha- 
racter, which could not possibly have been acquired 
at this remote period from any other source ; and for 
much of what remains to be said of him we are in- 
debted to this document. 

We have been able to trace a considerable portion 
of what may be termed the public life of John Car- 
penter; and now we have fortunately the means of 
displaying him a little in his more private capacity. 

We learn by this will, which is dated 8th March, 
1441, that he lived (and most likely died) in the house 
which, as already mentioned, had been granted to 
him by the city. This house he describes as his new 
tenement or hostel, wherein he dwelt, in the parish 
of St. Peter in Cornhill, with the garden adjacent. 



56 

and tlie houses, cellars,, soUars, and other appurte- 
nances, situate as well on the north side of the same 
hostel, towards the high street, as on the south side 
of the said garden, near the ancient chapel of Leaden- 
hall. This description seems to imply that it was a 
residence of some magnitude, and one befitting a 
person of good position in the social scale. Indeed 
there is reason to believe that Carpenter was the 
possessor of considerable wealth, that he lived in a 
style of comfort and even luxury, and that he main- 
tained no very small household of servants and de- 
pendants. 

There are many deeds of conveyance enrolled in 
the Court of Hustings which show that he was con- 
stantly acquiring fresh property. There are also in the 
will of which we possess a copy, allusions to his other 
will, which prove that he left thereby considerable 
landed property. Besides this, the quantity of plate 
which he appears to have possessed, and the numerous 
bequests of money which he left, with other circum- 
stances, clearly indicate that his means were very 
ample. He speaks in his will, in a style of humility 
and self-reproach, of ^^ my silver vessels which have 
" very often served me for the unreasonable and vain 
" glory of the world ;'' and also of ^^ my furred gowns 
'^ and other sumptuous vestments, which, God forgive 
" me, I have many times abused in superfluous and 
^^ useless observances.'^ 



57 

Another thing which throws some light upon his 
circumstances in life_, as well as his domestic charac- 
ter, is, that he appears to have had a chaplain resident 
with him, and to have been provided with other ac- 
cessories for the administration of the services of reli- 
gion in his own house, in the same manner that the 
nobility and other persons of rank of his time were. 
In one part of his will is this clause, ^^ I give and be- 
^^ queath to Sire William Taillour, chaplain \ dwelling 
'^ with me, as a memorial of me, my book De Medi- 
" tationibus et Orationibus Sancti Anselmil/^ and, 
in another part, he says, " I give and bequeath, for 
^' the service in the church of St. Martin Outwich, 
^^ where my parents lie buried, my great missale, and 
^^ my best silver-gilt cup, together with my silver-gilt 
'^ paxarium, and my two phials or cruets of silver, 
^^ and my casula of white damask, with all its trim- 
" ming ^J' 

k Those of the clergy who had not graduated were entitled " sir/' 
and graduates were called either '' master" or '' doctor." — Fosbroke's 
Encyclopaedia of Antiquities, vol. ii, p. 801. 

1 For notes on this and other hooks hereafter mentioned see the 
Appendix, No. I. 

m Of these articles, dedicated to sacred uses, the following explana- 
tions may be given : the missal is the book containing all things to be 
daily said in the service of the mass ; the silver-gilt cup was doubtless 
intended for a chalice ; the pax {paxarium or paxboard) was an image 
or representation of our Lord's passion, or some other sacred emblem, 
painted or embossed on a piece of wood or metal. Sometimes (as pro- 
bably in the present case) it formed the cover of the chalice used at 
mass. At the words Pax Domini sit semper vohiscvm (the peace of the 



58 



Carpenter appears to have had no cliildren of his 
own_, but yet he evidently took pleasure in having a 
family circle about him. He bequeaths substantial 
tokens of his regard to several nephews and nieces, 
the sons and daughters of his two brothers ; and one 
of these, Katherine, daughter of his brother Robert, 
he speaks of as having been with him from her youth. 
And, in another place, a legacy is left to a " little 
Christopher,^^ who had been with him from his cradle. 
Many of his servants also he names, and leaves lega- 
cies to ; and to some who were old and poor, he leaves 
annuities for their lives. 

We have seen that he was in some way connected 
with the religious establishment of St. Anthony in 
Threadneedle street ; and his will has brought to light 
the fact, that he was also a brother of the convent of 
the Charterhouse, London ", and likewise of the frater- 
nity of Sixty Priests of London. It may appear rather 
singular that a person not under monastic vows should 



Lord be always with you)^ it was kissed by the priest, and then handed 
to the people for the same purpose, as a substitute for the ancient kiss 
of charity which communicants gave each other. The phials or cruets 
were vessels in which the wine and water were presented at the altar 
before consecration. The casula (or chasuUe) was the principal vest- 
ment of the priest at mass. It was always constructed of rich mate- 
rials, and frequently profusely embroidered, and trimmed in a costly 
manner.— (Hart's Ecclesiastical Records, pp. 236, 238, 251, 256 ; Boul- 
teel on llonumental Brasses, c&c, p. 97). An inventory of the church 
ornaments of St. Martin Outwich, made in 1515, mentions, amongst 
other articles, the following, which not improbably were those be- 



59 

be a brother of a conventual establishment^ and that a 
layman should be a member of a fraternity of priests. 
But examples of a similar kind are not so rare as 
might be supposed. Benefactors were frequently re- 
ceived into confraternity with a monastery. "Without 
any renunciation of the worlds this entitled them to 
a participation in all the prayers and merits of the 
brethren during life, and to masses after death. The 
privilege was conferred by a formal document en- 
grossed upon vellum, often beautifully illuminated, 
and sealed with the common seal of the brotherhood o. 
The following are a few apposite instances of the 
practice : John Ewin, citizen and mercer, who was a 
great benefactor to the mendicant order of Grey 
Friars, entered the order as a lay brother P. Sir Wil- 
liam Walworth, the celebrated lord mayor who slew 
the rebel Wat Tyler, described himself in his will as 
a brother of the fraternity of Chaplains in London ; 
and left to every chaplain thereof two shillings, that 



queathed by Carpenter : "A chales parsell geylte, wytlie a skr3rpture 
" abowte the foote, -v/eying xvij uncs of Troye ;" and '' a pexe of syl- 
" ver for the sakerment;, weying xv uncs di. of Troye," — Malcolm's 
Londinium Redivivum, vol. iv. p, 408. 

n Established by Sir Walter Manny, in 1371, for monks of the 
Carthusian order. 

o Hart's Ecclesiastical Records, p. 78 ; and Lewis's Life of Wiclif, 
Svo, 1820, pp. 24 and 301, where a copy is preserved of one of these 
letters of fraternity, granted by the Prior of Christ church, Canter- 
bury, to the mother of Dean Colet. 

P Brayley's Londiniana, vol. ii. p, 145. 



60 

they might have his soul remembered in their masses 
and prayers,, and attend his burial <l. Sir Thomas More 
also seems to have been a brother of the Charter- 
house, London, for, according to his biographer, ^- he 
'^ gave himself to devotion and prayer in that place, 
'' religiously living there, without vow, about four 
" years r/-' 

It is said to be a safe clue to a man's character to 
know who are his chosen associates and friends ; and 
if we were left to form a judgement of Carpenter by 
this rule, our conclusion could not fail to be a highly 
favourable one. 

His association with his learned namesake Doctor 
John Carpenter, bishop of Worcester, in a public 
trust, has already been alluded to (p. 52) ; but it is evi- 
dent that there must have been a connection beyond 
this subsisting between them, viz., a private intimacy, 
for Carpenter not only leaves to his reverend friend, 
^' as a memorial'^ of him, ^^ that book on architecture 
" which Master William Cleve^^ gave to him, but he 
likewise appoints him, in conjunction with his own 
brothers, as one of the supervisors and coadjutors of 
the executors of his will. This '^ learned and good 



q Excerpta Historica, quoted in Herbert's History of St. Michael 
Crooked Lane, p. 135. 

r Roper's Life of Sir Thomas Mdre, by Singer, p. 5. This was in 
the earlier part of his career, and before he married. 



61 

" man^^ (as Mr. Endell Tyler calls him) was feUow- 
student with and intimate friend of Prince Henry 
(afterwards Henry the Fifth) when residing at Ox- 
ford, and pursuing his studies under his uncle Henry 
Beaufort s. He was not raised to the episcopal dignity 
till after our John Carpenter's death. He established 
a fellowship and several scholarships at Oxford, by 
which, and by other liberal benefactions, he showed 
himself to be a great promoter and encourager of 
learning. 

Carpenter's friend Master* William Cleve, who 
had given him the book on architecture just men- 
tioned, was also an ecclesiastic, and besides that, like 
some others of his class, was a skilful architect. He is 
described in the proceedings of the privy council as 
the king's chaplain, and clerk of the works ; and by 
a petition of his, which is there set forth, he appears 
to have executed considerable works for the king at 
the palaces of Eltham, Shene, and Westminster, and 
also at the Tower of London u. 

Sir John Neel, another ecclesiastic, was also one 
of Carpenter's intimate friends. He was master of the 
house or hospital of St. Thomas of Acres (or de Aeon) 
in Cheapside, and held the adjoining living of Cole- 



s Memoirs of Henry the Fifth, vol. i. p. 27. 
t See note (^) on p. 57. 

u Nicolas's Acts, &c., of Privy Coimcil, vol. vi. p. 32 ; Brayley's and 
Britton's Palace of Westmimter, p. 315. 



62 

churcli X. He was one of the four clergymen who^ in 
1447, presented a petition to parliament, setting forth 
the lack of grammar schools and good teachers in the 
city of London, and praying leave (which was granted 
to them) to establish schools, and appoint competent 
masters in their respective parishes of Allhallows the 
Great, St. Andrew Holborn, St. Peter Cornhill^ and 
St. Mary Colechurch. In support of their application 
the petitioners made the following quaint but sen- 
sible averment : ^^ It were expedyent/^ say they, ^^ that 
^^ in London were a sufficient number of scholes, 
^^ and good enfourmers in gramer; and not for the 
^^ singular avail of two or three persones grevously 
^' to hurt the moltitude of yong peple of al this land. 
^^ For wher there is grete nombre of lerners and few 
^^ techers, and al the lerners be compelled to go to 
^^ the few techers, and to noon others, the maistres 
^^ waxen rich of monie, and the lerners pouerer in 
*' connyng, as experyence openlie shewith, agenst all 
^' vertue and ordre of well publik y." The only one 



X This hospital was founded in the reign of Henry the Second, for 
a master and brethren, by the brother-in-law and sister of Thomas 
Becket, in honour of his memory, and on the spot where he was 
born, — Stow's Survey, p. 27'1. Colechurch stood in the Old Jewry. 
A former incumbent, Peter of Colechurch, was the builder of the first 
London bridge in stone, about 1176. — Ibid., p. 23. 

y Rotuli Parliamentorum, vol. v. p. 137 ; Maitland's History of Lon- 
don, vol. i. p. 193. Fosbroke, in his Encydopcedia of Antiquities, vol. i, 
p. 450, ascribes to this measure the origin of fi:-ee grammar schools pro- 
perly so called. 



63 

of tlie schools established in consequence of this pe- 
tition which has survived to the present time is the 
Mercers^ school^ which was formerly held at St. 
Thomas de Aeons (the site of Mercers' Hall)_, and of 
which John Neele may be said to be the founder. 
Carpenter's friendship towards him is shown by the 
bequest of a book_, which he describes as " that book 
^' cum Secretis Aristotelis_, and De Miseria Condi- 
^^ tionis Humanse, and other notable things^ which 
'^ my master Marchaunt gave to me.'' 

Master William Lichfeld^ rector of Allhallows in 
the Eopery (or Allhallows the Great^ Upper Thames 
street) _, was another of Carpenter's friends^ and to him 
he left a legacy of twenty shillings. He also was one 
of the petitioners for the establishment of additional 
grammar schools in London. Stow says '^ he was a 
" great student,, and compiled many books both moral 
" and divinCj in prose and in verse." He mentions 
one intituled " The complaint of God unto sinfal 
^^ man ;" and adds that '^ he made in his time three 
" thousand and eighty-three sermons^ as appeared by 
" his own handwritings and were found when he was 
^^ dead z." Warton describes one of Lichfeld's poems 
as '' a metrical dialogue between God and the peni- 
^^ tent soulj which is preserved in manuscript at Caius 
'' college^ Cambridge." He mentions him as a doctor 

z Stow's Swvey, p. 236. 



64 

in theology^ who shone most in prose a. He was one 
of the ^^ famous preachers^^ who inveighed with such 
boldness against the evil practices and enormities of 
the privy council of Henry the Sixth, that some of 
the courtiers told the king they caused insurrections 
amongst the people against him ; and it is said that 
sermons to this purport were sometimes addressed to 
the king himself; and that_, in consequence, " Lord 
'^ Say, with others, would not suffer any one to preach 
'^ before the king unless they saw his written sermon 
" first, or unless he would swear not to preach against 
" his ministers' actions or councils ^J' 

Dr. Reginald Pecok, another celebrated divine, 
was also amongst the number of Carpenter's friends, 
and was remembered by him by a money legacy. He 
and Master William Lichfeld were likewise entrusted 
with a discretionary power in the bestowment of some 
of Carpenter's ^^ good or rare books," which are not 
specifically named. Master Pecok was at that time 
the master of Whityngton's college of St. Michael 
Eoyal. He was one of the eminent scholars patro- 
nized by the duke of Gloucester — the '' good Duke 
Humphrey." In 1444 he was appointed bishop of 
St. Asaph, and was translated to Chichester in 1449. 
He was one of the most learned men of his age, and 

a Warton's History of English Poetry, vol, ii. p. 310. 
t Turner's ^istor?/ of England, vol. iii. p. 89-90, referring to Cotton. 
MSS. VitelHus C. 9, p. 155-6, iScc. 



65 

was as much distinguislied for his moderate and con- 
ciliatory spirit as for his high talents and extensive 
acquirements. His writings upon certain doctrines 
and practices of the church drew down upon him the 
hatred and jealousy of some of the hierarchy. He 
was charged with favouring the tenets of the Lollards ; 
and was cited_, in 1457^ to appear at Lambeth Palace^ 
before twenty-four learned doctor s^ with his books. 
He was convicted of heresy^ and would have been 
burnt but for his abjuration of the opinions he had 
promulgated. This abjuration he had to make in the 
presence of thousands of spectators at St. Paulas Cross^ 
deUvering at the same time^ with his own hand^ four- 
teen of his books^ to be there destroyed by fire. Al- 
though he thus saved his life_, he did not obtain his 
liberty : " he was sent to Thorney abbey in the Isle 
" of Ely^ there to be confined in a secret closed cham- 
^' ber, out of which he was not to be allowed to go. 
'^ The person who made his bed and his fire was the 
^^ only one who might enter and speak to him without 
" the abbot^s leave^ and in his presence. He was to 
'^ have neither pen_, ink^ nor paper ; and to be allowed 
" no books except a mass-book^ a psalter_, a legendary, 
" and a bible c." Pecok is said to have died in his 
prison after a confinement of about three years. Not- 
withstanding all the efforts of the church to destroy 

c Southey's Book of the ChurcJi, i. 392. 
F 



66 

them_, some of his works still remain^ especially an 
answer to certain of the more extravagant opinions 
of the Lollards,, which, it has been remarked by Mr. 
Hallam, ^' contains passages well worthy of Hooker, 
" both for weight of matter and dignity of style ^/^ 
The cruel treatment of Bishop Pecok has left a stig- 
ma upon the authorities of his time which will never 
be effaced. 

Master William Byngham, another distinguished 
promoter of learning, had this friendly notice taken 
of him by Carpenter : ^^ I give and bequeath to Master 
" WiDiam Byngham, as a memorial of me, that book 
^^ which Master Roger Dymok made, ' contra duo- 
" decim errores et hereses LoUardorum,^ and gave to 
" King Eichard, and which book John Wilok gave 
'^ to me.^^ This William Byngham was rector of St. 
John Zachary, London. He petitioned Henry the 
Sixth, in 1439, in favour of his grammar scholars, for 
whom he had erected a commodious house at Cam- 
bridge, called God^s house, adjacent to Clare Hall, to 
the end that twenty-four youths, under the direction 
and government of a learned priest, might be there 
perpetually educated, and be from thence transmitted 
in a constant succession into different parts of Eng- 



d Middle Ages, vol, iii. p. 45^6 ; Pictorial History of England, vol, ii. 
p. 147' ; Lewis's Life of PecoTc, <Scc. 

e Pat. 17 Hen, VI., part 2, m, 16; Warton's History of English 
Poetry, vol. ii, p, 552; Potts's Liher Cantahrigiensis, p, 291, 



67 

land, to those places where grammar schools had 
fallen into a state of desolation. The king granted 
a charter of incorporation to the establishment, which 
was subsequently removed to another site, and even- 
tually merged into Christ^s college ^. 

These were some of the men whose friendship was 
cultivated by Carpenter, and with whom he lived on 
terms of intimacy : men occuppng positions of note 
amongst the learned of their times, diligent students 
themselves, and at the same time actively endeavour- 
ing to promote the spread of knowledge, and inculcate 
the love of learning in others. It is pleasing to be 
able to trace the community of feeling subsisting be- 
tween such men and our venerated founder. That 
he shared in their taste for literature is evident from 
the collection of books which he had formed — a col- 
lection which, in an age when books were a rare 
possession, and printing was unknown, must have 
been a very valuable one f. And that he participated 
in their desire to disseminate knowledge is abun- 
dantly proved in two ways ; first, by the gift he made 



f It is interesting to observe that lie mentions several of these books 
to have been gifts from his friends^, a proof both of their personal es- 
teem, and of their regarding him as a man of letters. 

In order to give a better idea of what Carpenter's collection of books 
consisted of, a list of those which are mentioned in his will is given 
in the Appendix (No. I.), with a few bibliographical notices, which the 
writer trusts will illustrate in some degree the literature of the period, 
and the character of Carpenter's reading. 

F 2 



68 

for the special purpose of promoting education^ and 
whicli has resulted in the establishment of our City 
School; and secondly_, by the direction in his will^ 
that_, if any good or rare books should be found 
amongst the residue of his goods^ which by the dis- 
cretion of Master William Lichfeld and Reginald 
Pecok might seem necessary to the common library 
at Guildhall (which^ it will be recollected^ he had 
been partly instrumental in having built), for the 
profit of the students there, and those discoursing to 
the common people, then that those books should be 
placed by his executors, and chained in that library, 
under such form that the visitors and students thereof 
might be the sooner admonished to remember him 
in their prayers S. 

The list of men of note with whom Carpenter was 
brought into close and friendly association might be 
extended much further ; but, as it would be tedious 
to mention all, a few more only shall be named from 
amongst those who sustained high offices in the city, 
and are most distinguishable for their public virtues 
and charities. 

Of the famous Sir Richard Whityngton sufficient 

g This interesting bequest proves the library at Guildhall to have 
been not merely a private collection^ but designed for general use, and 
is an early instance of the existence of a public library properly so 
called. The books bequeathed to it by Carpenter were no doubt in- 
cluded in the spoliation by the Protector Somerset, as mentioned in a 
former note (}>), p. 28. 



69 

has already been said to render unnecessary any 
furtlier notice, but tbe following civic worthies are 
deserving of remembrance in the catalogue of Car- 
penter^s friends. 

Sir William Sevenoke_, grocer, mayor in 1419; a 
man who rose from obscurity to great eminence, and 
founded and endowed the grammar school and alms- 
houses in his native place of Sevenoaks in Kent, and 
which are in existence to this day. He is the first on 
the long list of citizens of London who are distin- 
guished as founders of grammar schools K 

Sir Robert Chicheley, grocer, mayor in 1411 and 
1422 i. " He appointed by his testament" (says 
Stow), " that on his mind day [dies commemorationis] 
'' a competent dinner should be ordained for two 
'^ thousand four hundred poor men, householders of 
" this city, and every man to have two-pence in 
" money. More, he gave one large plot of ground 
^^ thereupon to build the new parish church of St. 
^^ Stephen, near unto Walbrook, ^c.^^' 

Sir John Rainwell, fishmonger, mayor in 1427, 
who gave certain lands and tenements to the city to 
discharge the inhabitants of three wards in London 



t The writer of the present biography has been long collecting ma- 
terials for a series of memoirs of these worthies ; and, amongst others, 
has completed a full account of the life of Sir William Sevenoke. 

i Brother to Henry Chicheley, archbishop of Canterbury and 
founder of All Soul's college, Oxford, and to "William Chicheley, alder- 
man, sheriff in 1409. ^ Stow's Survey, p. 110. 



70 

(Billingsgate,, Dowgate^ and Aldgate) from payments 
for fifteentlis ^j and for other public purposes ^. 

Sir John Welles, mayor 1431, who has been already 
mentioned as being appointed by the king custos or 
warden of Norwich «. He was a great benefactor to 
the new building of the chapel by the Guildhall, and 
was there buried. ^^ Of his goods the standard in 
" West Cheap was made, to which he caused fresh 
" water to be conveyed from Tyburn, for the service 
^^ of the city o." 

Sir William Estfeld, mercer, mayor 1429 and 1437, 
and knight of the Bath ; one of the representatives of 
the city with Carpenter in the parliament of 1439. 
He also had water conveyed from Tyburn to a con- 
duit in Aldermanbury, and to another in Fleet street, 
and from Highbury to Cripplegate P. 

Sir Stephen Browne, grocer, mayor 1438 and 1448. 
In his first mayoralty there was a great famine, and 
wheat being at a high price in London, he sent vessels 
to Prussia, and caused corn to be brought from thence 
in great quantity, whereby he brought down the price 
from three shillings the bushel to less than half that 
sumq. 

Phihp Malpas, one of the sheriffs 1440 (the year 
of the dispute with the dean of St. Martinis about 

1 A Fifteentli was a tax levied by parliament, amounting to a fif- 
teenth of every man's personal estate. — Jacob's Law Dictionary, 1732. 
m Stow's Survey, pp. 110, 209, 236. 



71 

sanctuary) . He gave by his testament one hundred 
and twenty-five pounds to relieve poor prisoners ; and 
every year for five years four hundred shirts and 
smocks,, forty pairs of sheets^ and one hundred and 
fifty gowns of frieze to the poor; to five hundred 
poor people in London six shillings and eight-pence 
each; to poor maids^ marriages one hundred marks; to 
highways one hundred marks ; twenty marks ayear to 
a graduate to preach ; twenty pounds to preachers at 
the Spital^ the three Easter holidays^ S^c.^ He dwelt 
very near to Carpenter^ in the ward of Lime street^ of 
which he was the alderman. 

Robert Large^ mercer, mayor 1439. He gave to 
the church of St. Olave Jewry two hundred pounds ; 
towards rebuilding St. Margaret^s Lothbury, twenty- 
five pounds; to the poor, twenty pounds; towards 
repairing London bridge after part of it had fallen 
down, one hundred marks ; towards vaulting over the 
water-course of Walbrook, by St. Margaret^s church, 
two hundred marks; to poor maids^ marriages, one 
hundred marks; to poor householders, one hundred 
pounds, §-c.s He was the person to whom William 
Caxton served his apprenticeship, and whose mer- 
cantile dealings in foreign parts afforded Caxton the 
opportunity of becoming acquainted with the in- 

n See p. 42, o gtow's Swvey, pp. 110^ 523. 

P Stow's Survey, pp.110, 523. q lUd, pp.110, 523. 
r lUd., pp.111; 169, 523. s lUd., p. 111. 



72 

vention of printings which he introduced into this 
country *. 

These particulars serve to give some idea of the 
character of the times in which Carpenter livedo and 
of the men with whom he was wont to associate. 

But it is time to notice more particularly his own 
benefaction, to which posterity is so much indebted, 
and which has furnished the occasion for the present 
biographical notice of him. Interesting as the other 
facts in his history are, they are made more so to us 
by that one great fact, which has not only contributed 
more than any other circumstance to preserve his 
name from oblivion, but, from the important results 
to which it has led, and the advantages that have ac- 
crued and are likely to accrue from it to the present 
and future generations, will cause his memory to be 
cherished with increased and lasting interest. 

The writer regrets deeply that he is able to present 
no better account of the origin and nature of that gift 
of John Carpenter which formed the basis of the City 
School, than what is furnished by the meagre but 
yet valuable statement recorded by Stow, that ^^ he 
'*" gave tenements to the citye for the finding and 
^^ bringing up of foure poore men^s children with 
'^ meate, drinke, apparell, learning at the schooles in 

t Knight's Life of Caxton. 



73 

" the universities^ ^c._, until they be preferred^ and 
^^ then others in their places for ever u." 

This is the earliest description that is now extant 
of Carpenter^s benefaction_, but yet it is a century and 
half later than the period of the gift. Although it is 
not known precisely what authority Stow relied upon 
for his statement^ there is no room to doubt that^ in 
its essential points^ the account given by the vene- 
rable historian of our city is perfectly correct. His 
character_, as a painstaking investigator and accurate 
relater of facts_, is a guarantee for the authenticity of 
his statement,, which^ if no other proofs existed^ would 
go far towards establishing its correctness ; but^ we 
have in addition a continuous tradition to the same 
effect^ corroborated by a carefully preserved rent-roll 
of the property derived by the city from Carpenter. 
There is besides the evidence of long usage as to the 
application of his bounty^ which^ although falling 
short in some respects of what is described as being 
his intentions^ serves to strengthen the probability of 
the account given being a correct one. 

The oldest book of accounts which the city now 
possesses (the earlier ones having been destroyed in 
the great fire of 1666^ and a later conflagration at 
Guildhall in 1786) is for the year 1633; it contains 
a description of the property in question^ in its then 

^1 Stow's Swi'vey, p. 110. 



74 

existing state^ and an account of what it produced ; 
and also an account of the annual payments at that 
time under Carpenter^s bequest. These are the ear- 
liest particulars that can be referred to^ and therefore 
are here introduced : 

^^ The Eentall of the lands and tenem^s sometyme 
^' Mr. John Carpenter^ sometimes Towne Clarke 
" of the Citty of London. 

'' Robert Child, for the tenem* Beade, 
^' against St. Buttolph church in Thame- 
" streete_, to him demised for xxxv yeares 
'^ from Xpmas 1615 - - - - viij^i 

^' Mary Leake, late Richard Edmond, for 
'^ the tenem<^ Peacock in Thamestreet, to the 
^' said Edmonds demised, for xxxj yeares 
'^ from Xpmas 1612 - - - - vijli 

'^ Robert Rowden, late William Hicks, for 
" the tenem* Crowne against St. Magnus 
^' church, to John Vaux demised, for xl 
'^ yeares from MicF as 1600 - - vjli xiijs iiijd 

^^ Daniel Hills, late John Beeston, for the 
^' tenem* Greene Dragon in Bridge streete, 
^^ to him demised for xlv yeares from MicVas 
" 1626 iiijli 

^^ John May, executor of Margarett Pen- 
" nell, for a close with th'appurtenncs con- 
'^ teyning by estimation five acres more or 
" lesse, and being in the parish of St. Giles 



75 

'^ in the feilds_, to her demised for xxj yeares 

'' from the Annunciacon 1626 - - iiijli 

" Edward Gurdon^, assignee of EolandWil- 
" son_, assignee of Daniel Winch^, executor 
" of Daniel Winch grocer^ deceased,, for the 
'^ tenem* Three Crownes in West Cheape, 
" neare the signe of the George late called 
^^ the Ramping Lyon^ being parcell of the 
" lands late S^ Nicholas Bacon^, knight, late 
" lord keeper of the great scale of England, 
^^ and by him conveyed to the use of the 
^' citty by exchange, to Daniel Winch, fa- 
^^ ther of the said Daniel, demised for xxv 
^^ yeares from Mich^as 1616 - - - x^i 

^' William Carpinter, for certayne tenem^s 
^' and gardens in Hounsditch, to him de- 
^^ mised for xlj yeares from Mich' as 1626, 
'^ with coveiin^^ to new build within five 
^^ yeares, which tenem^s and gardens were 
" heretofore conveyed to the citties use as 
'^ aforesaid, and of late the said lord keeper's x^i 

^' Suma - . - - xlixli xiijs iiij^ 



" Payments due by the bequest of Mr. John Car- 
^^ penter. 
^^ Paid to this accomptant [Mr. Robert 
'^ Bateman, Chamberlein of the Cittie of 
'^ London] for overseeing foure poore chil- 



76 

" dren being found at sclioole and learning,, 
" by the bequest of the said Mr. John Car- 
" penter^ due for this yeare^ vjs viijd ; and 
" to the comptroller of the chamber for like 
^^ consideracon^ vjs viij^ _ _ - - xiijs iiijd 

^^ Paid to the rent-gatherer, for gathering 
" the rents ^ and potacon mony of the said 
" Mr. John Carpenter - - - xxiijs iiijd 

" Paid to the freinds of the said foure chil- 
" dren, for harbor, schoole, hose, shoes, and 
" other necessaries for the said foure chil- 
^' dren, due for this year - - - iiijH 

'' Paid for the comons of the said foure 
" children, due for lij weekes ended at 
'' Mich' as 1633, after the rate of iijs yjd the 
" week ------- ix^i ijs 

" Paid to the freinds of the said foure chil- 
^^ dren, for YJ yards of London russett for 
^^ the coats of the said foure children against 
" Christide 1632, xxxvjs; and for vj yards 
" of new cullor for the coats of the said 



X There are two entries of a much earlier date in the city's records, 
which seem to illustrate this item. The first is dated 17th April, 1492, 
and relates to the profits of the clerk of the chamber. It mentions, 
amongst other sums, 3s. id. per annum to be payable to him by the 
will of Carpenter {Liber L, fo. 293 b). The other entry is dated 8th 
March, 1526, and is to the efiect that, upon considering a complaint 
of a person against the then chamberlain, concerning the coUectorship 
of the rents and tenements belonging to the Chamber, and also of 



77 

^' foure children against Wliitsontide 1633^ 
" xxxvjs ; and for xxiiij yards of cotten^ with 
^^ buttons,, and making the said eight coats^ 
^^ xxvjs . _ > _ _ iiijli xviijs 

'^ Paid to the deane and chapter of West- 
" minster^ for quitt-rent out of the tenem* 
" Crowne, over against the north side of 
" St. Magnus church neare London bridge^ 
" late in the tenure of John Vaux^ due for 
" YJ yeares ended at Midsomer 1633^ at iiijs 
^^ ayeare^ xxiiij ^ ; and to the same for quitt- 
" rent out of the tenem* Greene Dragon in 
" Bridge streete^ due for like tyme^ at iiijs 
''^ ayeare^ xxiiij s. Suma - - - - nihil Y. 

^^ Paid to Mr. Robert Marsh the citties 
^^ sollicitor^ for so much by him disbursed 
" for respite of homage due to the king^s 
" matie for a close in the parish of St. Giles 
'' in the fields^ v^ iiijfl ; and for his own fee^ 
'^ iijs iiijd z. Paid more to him for charges 
'^ disbursed for a discharge of issues lost 



Rainwell's lands and Carpenter's, the court of Aldermen decreed that 
the oflB.ce belonged to the chamberlain for the time being, — Repertory 
No. 7, fo. 93 b. 

y The arrears were paid in the following year. Although not paid 
regularly, these quit-rents were an annual charge of Ss. 

z These two amounts appear to have been regular annual charges, 
as they occur in the accounts of subsequent years ; but the next charge 
was not an ordinary one, and does not occur in the following years. 



78 

^^ returnable against S^ James Cambell and 

'^ others about the same close,, xxvjs viij^. 

" Suma^ as by two bills appeareth - xxxvs iiijd 

^' Suma tots of the paym^s due by 

" the bequest of the said Mr. John 

" Carpenter - - - xxjli xijs 

From these particulars it appears that^ in 1633^ the 
rental of the property amounted to 49/. 13^. 4^d. per 
annum, and the charges upon it to 201. 135. 4^?. per 
annum. 

We are unable to trace the gradual increase in 
value which the property subsequently underwent; 
but whatever it was^ the surplus was absorbed in the 
general funds of the city^ and the charity remained 
on the same limited footing until nearly two centu- 
ries later. 

In the year 1823 the commissioners for inquiring 
into charities made a report on those under the ma- 
nagement of the corporation of London^ including 
that of John Carpenter^ in which they set forth^ that 
great pains were stated to have been taken, by search- 
ing the archives of the corporation and other places 
for the will of John Carpenter^ without effect^ but that 
it was understood that Carpenter charged certain pay- 
ments for charitable purposes upon lands and tene- 
ments in Thames street^ Bridge street^ St. Gileses in 
the Fields^ Westcheap^ and Houndsditch ; and that 
the corporation have property in those several places, 



79 

answering^ or pretty nearly so, to the description of 
the property mentioned in the account book of 1633, 
as derived by them from Carpenter. 

The commissioners gave an extract from the book, 
so far as concerns the payments in respect of the 
charity, that is to say, omitting the items in respect 
of quit-rents and homage ; and conclude with the 
following statement : 

" The same payments continue to be made under 
" the vrill of John Carpenter (except the sum of 
" 65. Sd. formerly payable to the comptroller of the 
^^ chamber, which is now merged in the general com- 
" pensation he receives for his duties), being a total 
'' of 19^. IO5. This 19/. 10s. is payable in the foUow- 
^^ ing manner : To the chamberlain, as receiver of the 
'*" rents, and for attending to the application of the 
^' charity, 1/. IO5.; the remainder, being 18/., is paid by 
" the chamberlain in four sums quarterly, to four per- 
'^ sons, freemen of London, selected by him as proper 
^^ objects, to enable each one to pay for the edu- 
" cation of a son, from the age of seven to fourteen. 

'^ The chamberlain requires the parents from time 
" to time to bring the copy-books of their children, 
^^ and other specimens of their progress, to satisfy him 
" of the proper application of the testator^ s bounty, 
^^ and this has been the practice for many years back. 
<' Very little remains out of the respective shares of 
^' the persons benefited, after the object of education 



80 

" is satisfied^ to be applied in clotliing. The parents 
" or friends of the children are required, quarterly, to 
" give to the chamberlain receipts for the payment 
" of their children's education, which receipts are 
^^ entered in the city's acquittance book^/^ 
A The income derived from Carpenter's estate had by 

this time increased to several hundred pounds ayear, 
but the commissioners expressed no opinion as to the 
extension of the charity. The attention of the corpo- 
ration however being directed, in consequence of the 
commissioners' report, to the state of the several cha- 
rities under their management, and the possibility of 
increasing their efficiency, the common council, on 
the 18th of January, 1827, after several reports from 
the committee for letting the city's lands, to whom 
the consideration of the subject had been referred, 
agreed that the management and appropriation of 
Carpenter's charity should be altered and extended 
in the following manner; namely, that four boys from 
the age of eight to sixteen years, sons of freemen of 
London, to be nominated from time to time by the 
lord mayor, should be sent to the grammar school at 
Tonbridge in Kent^, under the management of the 
Skinners company and the superintendence of Dr. 
Knox, there to receive the benefit of a classical and 

a Tenth Report of Charity Commissioners (dated 28th June^ 
1823), p. 180. 

b Founded by Sir Andrew Judd, knt,, lord mayor in 1551. 



81 

commercial education, and religious instruction in the 
principles of the Established Church of England,, and 
to be boarded and clothed at the city^s expense ; and 
that the parents or friends of each boy, on his attain- 
ing the age of sixteen, upon certificate of his merit 
and good conduct during the period of his being at 
the school, should be entitled to the sum of one hun- 
dred pounds, to be applied towards his advancement 
in life ; and that the general superintendence of the 
charity, and the providing of clothing for the boys, 
should be under the direction of the committee of 
city lands, assisted by the chamberlain of London 
for the time being. 

By this arrangement, the annual expenditure in 
respect of the charity was increased from 191. 10s. to 
about 420/. c But this change in the administration 
of the charity, although a great improvement, yet 
having from the first been objected to by some mem- 
bers of the corporation on the ground of the expen- 
diture of such a sum upon so inconsiderable a number 
of beneficiaries, and of the religious restriction ^j was, 

c Proceedings of Common Council, 21st June, 1826, p. 69 ; 20th 
July, 1826, p. 82 ; 14th December, 1826, p. 126 ; 18th January, 182^, 
p. 13; 5th December, 1833, p. 160. 

d On the 18th December, 1828, a notice of motion "was given in 
common council by Mr. Richard Taylor, for a reference to a committee 
to report on the best means of making the sum voted for the purposes 
of education, as above mentioned, available for the benefit of the largest 
possible number of the sons of bond fide freemen-householders of the 
city, and none other; but on the 1 1th May following it was withdrawn . 

G 



82 

in the course of a few years, superseded by another 
alteration, which merits still higher commendation, 
and deserves to be particularly detailed. 

Until about the year 1829, there existed in the city, 
under the authority of an Act of Parliament passed 
in the reign of Charles the Second e, an establishment 
called the ^^ London Workhouse," which was for the 
relief and employment of the poor, the punishment 
of vagrants and disorderly persons, and the mainte- 
nance, education, and apprenticing of poor children. 
This establishment was supported by assessments upon 
the inhabitants of the several parishes in the city, the 
produce of the labour performed by the inmates, and 
some property which it had become possessed of by 
several bequests ; but the institution having gradually 
decayed and ceased to be of any real utility, the in- 
habitants of the city became anxious to be relieved 
from the expense of its continuance. The corporation 
therefore, in the year 1829, applied to parliament and 
obtained an actf for discontinuing the workhouse, 
and appropriating the produce of the property with 
which it had been endowed, amounting to about three 
hundred pounds per annum, for the support of a school 
for the maintenance and education of poor and desti- 
tute children, and for apprenticing such children to 
honest and industrious trades; and, in furtherance 

e 13 and 14 Car. II. cap. 12. f 10 Geo. IV. cap. 53, private. 



83 

of that object^, the corporation also agreed to con- 
tribute out of their own funds the sum of two thou- 
sand pounds. 

Under the authority of this act_, an attempt was 
made to found a school of the description therein 
mentioned^ and for that purpose to raise fands in aid 
of the above endowment by voluntary contributions ; 
but though the corporation agreed,, as already men- 
tioned, to contribute the sum of two thousand pounds, 
and upwards of a thousand pounds more were received 
from other sources, principally in sums of twenty 
pounds each, which was the qualification for a gover- 
nor, owing to the restrictive character of the school, 
as imposed by the act during its progress through 
parliament, and other causes, after a lapse of several 
years the object remained still unaccomplished. 

The governors, having been unable to procure suit- 
able premises in the city whereon to erect a school, 
presented a memorial to the common council on the 
1st of August, 1833, requesting their assistance in 
obtaining that object by a grant of a part of the city^s 
estates. The committee for letting the city^s lands, 
to whom the memorial was referred by the court, 
finding, upon examination, that there were many 
diflficulties in the way of the establishment of the 
institution in the manner then contemplated, pre- 
sented a report on the subject, recommending that, 
as Honey-lane market yielded but little profit to the 
g2 



84 

corporation and afforded no convenience to the pub- 
lic_, the market should be discontinued and the site 
thereof appropriated as requested ; provided an Act of 
Parliament could be obtained to authorize the same, 
and such alterations were made in the general ar- 
rangements of the school as to secure to the citizens 
of London the education of children on the most 
liberal and improved principles, and upon a more ex- 
tensive scale than that contemplated by the existing 
Act of Parliament. 

The same committee subsequently presented an- 
other report (in consequence of a reference which 
had been made to them on the 30th of May, 1833, 
respecting the propriety of consolidating Carpenter^s 
charity with the intended school), in which they stated 
that, although it was considered that the trust re- 
quired to be performed under the will of Carpenter 
extended only to the providing of education, clothing, 
and commons for four boys, yet, as the estates be- 
queathed for the purpose had considerably increased 
in value, and then produced upwards of 900/. per an- 
num, they were of opinion that, provided the altera- 
tions in the constitution of the school were effected 
which were recommended in their former report, the 
sum of nine hundred pounds should, after its opening, 
be annually contributed by the corporation towards 
its support ; and that, instead of four boys being sent 
to Tonbridge school, a like number should be selected, 



85 

according to merit^, as vacancies might arise,, to be 
clothed^ boarded^ and educated at the expense of the 
new establishment, up to the age of sixteen years, 
and, upon quitting, become entitled to the sum of one 
hundred pounds each, upon receiving a certificate of 
merit and good conduct while at the school. 

The court of common council having agreed to 
these several recommendations, and to a further re- 
port recommending an application to parliament to 
carry the arrangement into effect g, a Bill was intro- 
duced into the House of Lords for the purpose. This 
bill met with considerable opposition in the upper 
house, which led to the omission of those parts of it 
relating to the funds originally belonging to the Lon- 
don Workhouse, thus leaving the institution in the 
same imperfect state that it was then in, but at the 
same time authorizing the carrying into effect all the 
other arrangements proposed, by the establishment 
of a school altogether separate and distinct from it, 
with the endowment from the estates of John Car- 
penter. With this alteration the bill passed both 
houses of parliament, and received the royal assent 
on the 13th day of August, 1834. ^ ^ 

It is intituled " An Act to establish a school on the 
" site of Honey-lane market in the city of London b/^ 

g Proceedings of Common Council, 7th November, 1833; p.l63; 5th 
December, 1833, p. 160; 19th February, 1834, p. 25. 
h 4 and 5 Will. IV. cap. 36, private. 



86 

It recites that the corporation were desirous of esta- 
blishing a school in the city for the instruction of 
boys in the higher branches of literature ; that the 
yearly sum of 19/. 10s. had for many years been paid 
out of the rents and profits of lands and tenements 
belonging to them^ which were usually called the es- 
tates of John Carpenter, formerly Town Clerk_, to- 
wards the education and clothing of four boys, sons 
of freemen of the city, which payment was believed 
to be made in pursuance of the will of the said John 
Carpenter, but that such will could not be found ; and 
that the corporation were willing, instead of paying 
the said annual sum, to charge the property called 
the Carpenter estates, together with other property 
belonging to them, with the payment of the perpetual 
annual sum of nine hundi'ed pounds towards the sup- 
port of such school ; and also that the market called 
Honey-lane market, which belonged to them^ should 
be abolished, and the site thereof appropriated for 
the purposes of such school. The enactments which 
follow, for the purpose of carrying these objects into 
effect, declare (amongst other things) that the market 
shall be discontinued from the 25th day of December, 
1834, and the site appropriated for a school, which 
shall be for ever maintained by the corporation " for 
^^ the religious and virtuous education of boys, and for 
^^ instructing them in the higher branches of litera- 
^^ ture, and all other useful learning.^^ That the com- 



87 

mon council shall make regulations for the manage- 
ment of the school,, in which regulations provision 
shall be made that the authorized version of the Holy- 
Bible be used and taught^ and that morning and 
evening prayers be read in the school. That the first 
and second masters shall at all times be chosen from 
such candidates only as shall be certified to be best 
qualified for the duties by six professors of King^s 
college^ and University college^ London. That the 
estates derived from Carpenter^ which are set forth 
in the schedule to the act^ shall be charged with the 
payment of 900/. per annum towards the support of 
the school^ and the yearly sums payable in pursuance 
of his will be deemed to be included in such sum of 
900/. i The act also authorizes the common council 
to delegate to a committee the general superinten- 
dence of the affairs of the school. 

Under the powers thus obtained^ the corporation 
gave up the site of ground occupied by Honey-lane 



i The endowment of 900Z. ayear did not absorb the whole amount 
of rental which, at the time of passing the act, was derived from Car- 
penter's bequest. The property has since become enhanced in value ; 
and in a few years, when many of the existing leases expire, will yield 
a very greatly increased revenue. Considering the intention with 
which the property was originally bestowed, and the generous inte- 
rest taken by the corporation in the promotion of education, it is not 
improbable that at some future day it may become a question with 
them whether the entire income of Carpenter's estates should not be 
devoted to the purposes of education. The property, according to the 
description in the schedule to the act, appears to comprise the follow- 



88 

market k^ and erected thereon^ at an expense of nearly 
20^000/.^ the spacious and commodious edifice thence- 
fortli known as Tlie City of London School^ from 
competitive designs furnislied by J. B. Bunning_, esq.^ 
whose talented services have since become devoted to 
the corporation in the character of city architect. The 
first stone of the building was laid on the 21st Octo- 
ber_, 1835_, by Lord Brougham^ who had rendered 
important aid in overcoming some of the difficulties 
which occurred during the progress of the bill in par- 
liament ; and the school was opened with upwards of 
foui' hundred pupils on the 2d February^ 1837^ when 

ing number of houses, several of which have coach-houses, stables, and 

other buildings attached to them ; viz. 

In Lower Thames street . . . 2 

Cheapside 1 

Houndsditch 2 

Tottenham-court road, east side - 37 

Alfred place, west side - - . - 21 

Ditto, east side - - - - 20 

South crescent - - - - 13 

North crescent - - - - 14 

Tottenham mews - - - - 3 

Store street 5 

Chenies street . . . . i 

Making a total of 119 houses, 
besides other buildings. Of which number of houses the leases of 
thirty-two have but between seven and eight years to run ; those of 
the others expire at various periods more remote. 

k On this site formerly stood the two parish churches of AUhallows, 
Honey lane, and St. Mary Magdalen, Milk street, which were both 
destroyed in the great fire of 1666. Some remains of them were dis- 
covered in digging for the foundation of the school. 



89 

an inaugural address was delivered in the presence of 
the lord mayor (Alderman Kelly) and a large assem- 
blage of the members of the corporation^ !^c., by the 
Rev. Dr. Eitchie^, professor of natural philosophy and 
astronomy in University college,, London. 

An institution was thus formed where the sons of 
those who are concerned in the various tradings com- 
mercial^ and professional pursuits that constitute the 
wealth and importance of London^ may receive a 
sound and liberal education^ suited to the advanced 
state of society^ and calculated to qualify them for 
any of the various situations in life that they may be 
called to fill ; an establishment which^ while it reflects 
honour upon the corporation for their liberality^ sheds 
an additional lustre upon the memory of the indivi- 
dual whose charitable bequest has enabled them to 
accomplish so laudable an object 1. 

Before quitting this subject^ justice demands that 
it should be recorded that the merit of originating the 
scheme for establishing the City of London School 
belongs to Warren Stormes Hale^ esq.^ deputy^ a 
member of the common council for the ward of Cole- 
man street^ who^ amidst many public services of im- 
portance to his fellow- citizens^ has especially distin- 
guished himself by his devotedness to the promotion 
of popular education^ and other benevolent works^ 

1 Some particulars of the subsequent endowments and benefactions 
bestowed on the school will be found in the Appendix, No. V. 



90 

and has earned a title to the warmest gratitude and 
respect of his contemporaries^ while his memory will 
live in the hearts of thousands in future generations. 

During the years 1833 and 1834_, in which the sub- 
ject was under the notice of the committee of city 
lands_, he presided over the committee as chairman ; 
and^ being cordially supported both by the committee 
and the corporation generally,, his exertions were 
crowned with the success which has been mentioned. 
Through the same generous support of the corpora- 
tion he has had the happiness of seeing a scheme^ sub- 
sequently brought forward by him^ for founding an 
asylum for orphans of the freemen of the city^ carried 
out in the recently established school at Brixton^ 
for the maintenance and education of one hundred 
orphan children^ which, with the sanction of parlia- 
ment, enjoys the endowment formerly belonging to 
the London Workhouse, and which was denied to be 
granted to the City of London School. In compli- 
ment for such services, and in acknowledgement of 
the interest continuously taken by him in promoting 
the welfare of both these establishments, Mr. Hale 
has, from the commencement of each of them, been 
appointed from time to time the chairman of their 
respective committees of management. 

Having disposed of this matter, let us refer again 
to Carpenter^ s "Will, in order briefly to set forth the 



91 

manner in whicli some portions of his property were 
bequeathed which have not yet been specified. 

The introduction to this interesting document J^ is 
characterized by an impressive seriousness^ which is 
well deserving of being quoted. It is in these words : 
" In the name of God^ Amen. I John Carpynter 
^^ junior^ citizen of London^ cogitating with earnest 
" meditation how brief are the days of man_, and that 
'^ many persons_, losing their time in leisure and en- 
" joyment, are suddenly beset with trials, and die 
<^ very often intestate : Willing therefore,, with God 
" as my guide^ whilst yet in the enjoyment of life 
" and health, and before languor clouds my reason, 
" so to dispose of my frail and transitory goods, that 
^' at the time of my departure from this world I may 
'^ more calmly direct my whole mind to the Lord God 
'' my Saviour and Redeemer, and return him thanks 
'' for benefits bestowed, and humbly ask pardon for 
" my transgressions : it is for this that, being sound 
" in body and mind, thanks be to God, I do now 
'^ make, ordain, appoint, and declare this my last will 
^' and testament." 

After commending his soul to God and the whole 
college of saints above, he directs his ^' vile corpse to 
^^ be buried near the pulpit, before the entrance of 
'' the chief chancel of the church of St. Peter of 

m A translation of the entire Will is given in the Appendix, No. II. 



92 

^^ Cornliill » -^^ and lie gives minute directions for the 
manner in which his funeral shall be performed^ and 
the religious ceremonies which^ according to the cus- 
tom of the age_, should be observed and kept_, and what 
payments should be made to the clergy and the poor 
who should be present thereat. 

To his wife he bequeaths (over and above those 
twenty librates of land <>_, and rent,, which he had be- 
queathed and assigned to her by another will^ made 
of his lands and tenements P) one hundred marks ster- 
ling in ready money, and fifty marks weight of his 
bettermost gold and silver jewels and vessels not be- 
queathed in his present will, together with the moiety 
of all his kitchen vessels and utensils pertaining to 
his house or hostel in London. Also he gives to her 
the house itself (which has been before described) for 
a term of twenty years ; and for the remainder of the 
term he had in it he gave it to the rector and church- 



n The hope of obtaining the prayers of the living was one of the 
chief reasons which induced the desire to be buried where attention 
might be attracted to the tomb in frequented churcheS;, and in the 
most conspicuous parts of them. — Quarterly Review, on Sepulchral Mo- 
numents, Sept. 1842; p. 430. 

o A librate of land {Ubrata terrce) contained four oxgangs, and every 
oxgang thirteen acres ; but, according to some opinions, a librate was 
so much land as was worth twenty shillings ayear (Co well's Interpreter). 
In Henry the Third's time, he that had quindecim libras terrce was to 
receive the order of knighthood. 

P It is most likely that, by the will here referred to, Carpenter be- 
queathed to the city the lands and tenements which they acquired 
from him. 



93 

wardens of St. Peter^s_, Cornhill,, to provide for certain 
religions observances^ for the relief of the poor, and 
towards the repair of the church. 

He left ten marks to be disposed of and distributed 
whilst he was lying at the point of death, or within 
two days after his death, amongst his poorer neigh- 
bours % and twenty marks afterwards, within the next 
year, at the good discretion of his executors. 

Then follow a number of legacies to his relations ; 
viz. 

To his brother Robert, as a memorial, and to super- 
intend the execution of his will, one of those two 
silver-gilt cups with a lid, which Thomas KnoUe gave 
him, weighing twenty-five ounces. 

And in like manner to his brother John the other 
of the same cups, of the same weight. 

To Richard, son of his brother Robert, for the in- 
crease of his estate, when he should arrive at full age 
and mature discretion, one hundred shillings. 



q The distribution of gifts, or doles, under such circumstances was 
of frequent occurrence in Roman CathoHc times. The intention ap- 
pears to have been to excite the recipients to pray for the soul of the 
dying person. The practice did not immediately cease at the Reforma- 
tion ; for, in 1561, Sir Rowland HiU (said to be the first protestant 
lord mayor), in his last illness, caused twelve pence to be distributed 
to every householder in each ward of the city (Machyn's Diary, p. 270); 
and, in 1566, Sir Martin Bowes, alderman, gave directions for thirty 
pounds, which he kept ready told out in a little bag in his iron chest, 
to be distributed amongst the poor of his ward at the time he was near 
dying (Will of Sir Martin Bowes in Prerogative Court). 



94 

And to Jolin, son of his brother John, other one 
hundred shillings. 

To Joan, daughter of the said Robert, at her mar- 
riage, one hundred shilHngs, and a silver piece (de- 
scribed as " unam hassam peciam'^), with a lid chased 
after the manner of a rose, with a little round apple 
and a sun gilt at the summit, and a salt-cellar, and 
twelve silver spoons. 

To Katherine, another daughter of the same Ro- 
bert, who had been with him from her youth ^, at her 
marriage ten marks sterling, and articles of plate 
like those bequeathed to her sister. 

To Margery, daughter of his brother John, a be- 
quest similar to that above mentioned to her cousin 
Joan. 

To the Charterhouse of Shene ^, the Charterhouse 
near London, and the fraternity of Sixty Priests of 
London (of which two last he was a brother), forty 
shillings each. 



r As she bore the same christian-name as Carpenter's wife she was 
probably their god-child^ and so had been adopted by them. She after- 
wards became the wife of Piers Hulk (See Will of Carpenter's wife). 

s In Surrey. Founded by Henry the Fifth in 1414 (Dugdale's Mo- 
nasticon, vol. i. p. 973). By command of Henry the Seventh, Shene 
changed its name to Richmond, which was the title of nobility he 
bore before gaining the throne. 

t This h ospital for the poor was founded by Rahere, minstrel of King 
Henry the First, between 1123 and 1133.— Stow's Survey, p. 376. 

u A college ofi&cer, now called manciple, whose duty is to provide 
victuals for the establishment. — Fuller's Histoo-y of Cambridge, p. 39. 



95 

To Jolin Bukberdj master of tlie hospital of St. 
Bartholomew,, West SmitMeld *, twenty sMHings. 

To Sir Eeginald Pecok^ master of the college of 
St. Michael in Royal (Whityngton^s college)^ twenty 
shillings ; to every chaplain of the college^ three shil- 
lings and fourpence ; to every other chaplain^ not 
being a fellow^ two shillings ; to every clerk^ twenty 
pence ; to the choristers^ to be shared equally between 
them^ forty pence; and to the mancipium^, twenty 
pence. 

To the poor of the hospital near the said college^ 
twelve pence. 

To every recluse ^ in London^ and for seven miles 
rounds three shillings and fourpence. 

To the prioress of Halywelly^ and to every mm 
therCj twenty pence. 

To the prioress of Stratford^ and to every nun there^ 
twenty pence z. 

To every house of the four orders of friars mendi- 



X A person who, under a religious vow, led a life of seclusion in a 
cell or hermitage. Such persons were supposed to hold celestial inter- 
course, and to possess peculiar sanctity. — Fosbroke's Encydopcedia of 
Antiquities, vol. ii, p. 803. 

y Haliwell, a priory of Black Nuns, near Shoreditch, founded be- 
tween 1108 and 1127. — Newcourt's Eepertoriitm, vol. i. p. 664. 

z The nunnery at Stratford, Essex, was an establishment which for 
many generations was celebrated as a school. Amongst Chaucer's 
Canterbury pilgrims was a Nun, of whom he says, 

'' And French she spake fal fayre and fetisly 
" After the schole of Stratford atte Bow." 



96 

cant and friars of tlie Holy Cross in London^ thirteen 
shillings and fourpence ; and to every brother^ a priest 
of the same houses,, three pence a. 

To every poor lay brother and sister of the hospital 
of St. Mary within Cripplegate ^ ; and also to every 
poor sister in the hospitals of St. Mary without 
Bishopsgate <^^ St. Bartholomew in Smithfield, St. 
Katherine near the Tower ^^ and St. Thomas in 
Southwark ^, twelve pence. 

To be disposed of, at the discretion of his execu- 
tors^ amongst the poor lepers at Holborn^ Locks^ 
and Hackney ^ and the poor madmen at Bethlem s^ 
forty shillings. 



a The orders of mendicant or begging friars were limited by the 
Council of Lyons to four; viz., the Dominicans or preachers, called 
Black Friars ; the Franciscans or Minorites, called Grey Friars ; the 
Carmelites, or White Friars ; and the Augustins (Stow's Survey, p. 280). 
These orders, but particularly the Dominicans, very much resembled 
the Jesuits of modern times. In them were found the most learned 
men and the most popular preachers of the age (Gelding's History of 
St. Thomas's Hospital, p. 24), The friars of the Holy Cross were called 
Crossed, Crutched, or Crowched Friars (Newcourt's Reperiorium, 
vol. i. p. 328). 

b Founded by "William Elsing, citizen and mercer, for one hundred 
blind people, and called Elsing spital. The site is now occupied by 
Sion college. — Newcourt's Repertorium, vol. i. p. 347-8. 

c Called St. Mary Spital : founded in 1197 by Walter Brune, sheriflF 
of London, and his wife. It had one hundred and eighty beds for the 
poor. — Stow's Survey, p. 498. 

d Founded by Maud, wife to King Stephen, for a master, brethren, 
sisters, and almswomen (Stow's Survey, p. 498). Removed, on the 
formation of St. Katherine's docks, to Regent's park. 

e First founded by the prior of Bermondsey in 1213. — Stow, p.416. 



97 

To be disposed of by turns, in food or money, 
amongst tbe poor prisoners of Newgate, Lndgate, 
the Fleet, Marshalsea, and King's Bench, and also in 
the prison of Convicts at Westminster, one hundred 
shillings ^. 

His books, such of them as have not been before 
mentioned, he disposed of as follows : 

The book " Biblise abbreviatse,^' with the " Historise 
Provinciarum" at the end, which John Sudbury gave 
him ; to Sir David Fyvian, rector of St. Benet Fink i, 
and five marks to undertake the execution of his will. 

That little book called " Prosperus de vita contem- 

f Persons afflicted with leprosy were not allowed to remain in the 
city, but were removed to lazarhouses or hospitals provided for them 
in the suburbs. The one at Holborn was the hospital of St, Giles in 
the fields ; the Lock was in South wark, at the end of Kent street. 
A district in the neighbourhood is still called Lock's fields (Stow's 
Survey, pp. 444, 500). See an interesting paper on leper hospitals by 
Mr. Pettigrew, in the Journal of the British Archaeological Associa- 
tion, vol. xi. pp. 9, 95. 

S The hospital of St. Mary of Bethlem, for lunatics, was founded 
in 1247, by Simon Fitzmary, sherifi" (Stow's Survey, p. 166). It was 
removed from Moorfields to St. George's fields, Southwark, in 1815. 

h Ludgate, a prison for debtors being freemen of the city, now forms 
part of the Debtors' prison in Whitecross street. The Fleet and the 
Marshalsea have been consolidated with the King's Bench, under the 
name of the Queen's prison. The prison of Convicts at Westminster 
was a prison belonging to the Bishop of London, for clerks convict, 
and formed part of the gate-house of the monastery. It stood at the 
western entrance of Tothill street, and was pulled down in 1776. — 
Walcott's Memorials of Westminster, pp. 273-278. 

i It is a curious circumstance that, after the lapse of four centuries, 
the rectory of St. Benet Fink, being imited to that of St. Peter -le-poor, 
is at the present time held by Dr. Vivian. 

H 



98 

plativa/^ with other things in the same,, and five marks 
sterling; to William Chedworth^ another executor. 

The book called '^ Speculum morale regium/^ made 
for a some time king of France ; to Robert Langford, 
late his clerk. 

His little book containing " Alanus de planctu/^ 
with other notable things ; to John Crouton^ late his 
clerk. 

His other little book containing '' Alanus de Anti- 
claudiano/^ and other notable things; to Richard 
Mordan^ late his clerk k^ with thirteen shillings and 
fourpence. 

All his books in French, which belonged to Sir 
Thomas Pykworth chivaler ^, containing in the begin- 
ning the ten commandments, the twelve articles of 
faith, the seven theological virtues, and other things, 
and at the end, '' Dispositio et regimen bellorum 
duorum et acierum guerrarum -/^ to John Brown, late 
his clerk. 

All that paper book, containing " Philobiblon Ri- 
cardi Dunelmensis," " Quidam de vetula,^^ " Alanus 



^ Carpenter's wife appointed Ricliard Mordan one of her executors, 
and left him a rose piece of silver, chased. (See her Will). 

1 Sir Thomas Pykworth was a man of considerable note in the reign 
of Henry the Fourth. He was a member of the privy council, and 
several times ambassador to the French, and afterwards became gover- 
nor of Jersey and lieutenant of Calais (Nicolas's Proceedings, <fcc., of 
Privy Council, vol. i. pp. 238, 246, 261, 353, d;c.). He was buried in 
the priory of Bermondsey (Stow's Survey, p. 421). 



99 

de planctu/^ and Tractatus dictaminis j^^ to Richard 
De Lafeld^ his clerk. 

The little book " De corpore pollecie/^ in French ; 
to Richard Lovell_, late his clerk. 

His little book ^' De parabolis Solamonis/^ '' Ec- 
clesiasticus/^ '^ Seneca ad Callionem/^ '' De remediis 
utriusque fortunse/^ and " De quatuor virtutibus car- 
dinalibus/^ together with " Sententise diversoriim 
prophetarum/' translated from Greek into Latin by 
Master Peter de Alphense^ and ^^ Liber de regimine 
dominorum/^ otherwise called " Secretum secretorum 
Aristotelis ;" to Robert Blount_, late his clerk ; also to 
the same Robert the use of all his little books or 
quartos of the modes of entry and engrossing of the 
acts and records as well according to the common law 
of the realm as the custom of the city of London^ so 
that^ after the decease of the same Robert,, they may 
remain to the chamber of the Guildhall of London^ 
for the information of the clerks there. 

To Nicholas Mason and John Elys^ his clerks ^, he 
bequeaths five marks, to be shared equally between 
them, and so many of his little books or quartos '^ De 
devotionibus, moralitatibus, et dictaminibus/^ as shall 
seem fit by the discretion of his executors. 



na John Elys appears to have continued in the service of Carpenter's 
widow up to the time of her death in 1458. She leaves him several 
bequests, and also desires that he shall be appointed to receive certain 
rents devised by her. (See her Will). 

LofC. h2 



100 

To Agnes Page,, his old servant^ over and above her 
salary^ forty shillings. 

To Margaret Elys^ for her advancement when she 
shall come to full age^ or be married^ five marks. 

To little Christopher^ who had been with him from 
his cradle^ when he shall come to full age^ if he be then 
of good disposition^, five marks for his advancement. 

To John Reynold II; twenty shillings. 

To John PoUey, thirteen shillings and fourpence, 
and one of his gowns at the choice of his wife. 

To John Colop; twenty shillings. 

To Agnes Vertesance °, ten shillings. 

To Joan Gerard^ ten shillings. 

To Robert Umfrey, twenty shillings^ over and above 
the annuity which he had assigned him by his other 
will in aid of his sustenance while he lives. 

He wiUed that his wife^ out of his goods^ should 
support and maintain the poor and impotent Richard 
Gray^ so long as he was willing to stay with her ; but 
otherwise^ that he should have in aid of his sustenance 
sixpence every week^ or that annuity which he had 
assigned to him for his life by his other will. 

The residue of aU his goods and chattels not be- 
queathed by his will; after payment of his debts^ if 



n Carpenter's wife left several legacies to Reynold, whom she de- 
scribes as " my cousin." (See her Will.) 

o Carpenter's wife left " to Agneys Yertsanz, ancress of Seynt 
" Mighell's, at Seynt Albons, vjs. viijc?." {Ibid.) 



101 

any there were^ he left to his executors to dispose of 
in works of piety and mercy_, as they might think 
most pleasing to God_, and profitable to the salvation 
of his soul. . 

It is impossible to read such a description of the ^ 
manner in which Carpenter disposed of his worldly 
goods without being struck by the extent and variety 
of his gifts, the thoughtful consideration with which 
he bestows them, and the wide range of his compre- 
hensive benevolence : the impulses of religion, — the 
claims of relationship, of friendship, and of social and 
domestic life, — the various duties incident to his fa- 
voured position, and especially the claims of charity, 
are all here shown to have met with that attention and 
regard which indicate a character of mind that claims 
for its possessor our warmest admiration. 

He appointed as his executors his wife Katherine, 
with the beforenamed David Fyvian and William 
Chedworth ; and the beforenamed Master John Car- 
penter (of St. Anthony^s hospital), and his own bro- 
thers Robert and John, to be their supervisors and 
coadjutors. No record has been discovered of the 
exact date of his death ; but, as his wife left provision 
by will for keeping an anniversary for him on the 12th 
day of May in every year, it may not unreasonably be 
assumed that that was the day of his decease, but 
whether in the year 1441 or 1442 remains uncertain. 
His will was proved by the executors in the Commis- 



102 

sary Court of the Bishop of London, on the 12th of 
May, 1442. According to the directions contained in 
his will, he was buried under a tomb before the door 
of the chancel or choir of the church of St. Peter 
CornhillP; but the fact is not mentioned by Stow, 
or any other writer who records the names of persons 
buried there. 

Some entries in the city^s records a few years after 
his death show that, amongst his other public services, 
he had acted as a kind of trustee in dispensing a large 
bounty given by Cardinal Beaufort, bishop of Win- 
chester, towards the repair of London bridge. 

It appears that on the 14th of January, 1437, ^^ the 
'^ great stone gate, and tower standing upon it, next 
*' Southwark, fell suddenly down into the river, with 
" two of the fairest arches of the bridge q f and Stow 
says, to the repairing thereof divers wealthy citizens 
gave large sums of money r. 

It was probably at this time that the cardinal, 
whose residence in Winchester house, in the imme- 
diate neighbourhood of the catastrophe, w^ould prompt 
him to assist in the work of restoration, entrusted to 
Carpenter, as one on whom he could fully rely, the 
appropriation of the sum of one thousand pounds, 
munificently given by him for the works of the bridge. 

P Wills of Katherine Carpenter. 

q Thomson's Chronicles of London Bridge, p. 271. 

^ Stow's Survey, p. 61. 



103 

A portion of this amount remained unexpended long 
after Carpenter^s deatli_, in the hands of his executors. 
The cardinal himself died on the 11th of April,, 1447^ 
and^ on the 19th of August following^ an entry occurs 
in the city records to this effect ; viz. 

" Memorandum : to communicate with the execu- 
'^ tors of John Carpenter^ on account of one thousand 
" pounds of the money of the lord cardinal^ in what 
'' manner it was expended about London bridge. 

'^ And that the bridge-masters be called before the 
" mayor and aldermen to say and certify where and 
" in what manner the piles and stones purchased by 
" John Carpenter were used«.^^ 

There is no doubt that Carpenter's executors were 
able to render a satisfactory account^ for we find that 
two years later they still had a portion of the money 
in their hands^ which had not been required to be 
expended on the bridge^ and that they agreed to lend 
the same for a limited time to the city^ on the per- 
sonal security of the mayor and aldermen. The entry 
of this rather curious transaction is as follows : 

'' A common council^ held the 22d day of Decem- 
^' ber [1449] . This day by the said mayor and alder- 
" men it is granted and agreed that the two hundred 
" pounds sterling, hitherto remaining in the custody 
^'' of the executors of the testament of John Carpenter^ 

s Journal No. 4, fo. 205. 



104 

" lately granted by Henry^ of happy memory^ late 
^^ bishop of Winchester^ for the repairing of London 
" bridge^ shall be borrowed for a time towards pay- 
" ment_, ^c, of one thousand pounds, to be paid to 
" the executors of the testament of Thomas Haseley, 
'' knight_, for the purchase of the Billingsgate ; so that 
'^ twenty aldermen, by their written obligation, shall 
" be bound to the beforenamed executors of the said 
" late John Carpenter, for security for repayment of 
'' the same two hundred pounds to be made on the 
'' feast of St. Michael next coming, viz.j every of the 
" said aldermen in 10/., ^c. 

" Also it is granted and agreed that two hundred 
" pounds of that five hundred marks, to be levied at 
^' the feast of St. Peter ad vincula [August 1st] next 
" coming, lately in common council granted to the 
" use and in part payment of the said one thousand 
^^ pounds, shall be given up in satisfaction of the said 
'' two hundred pounds in form aforesaid. 

" Firstly, Thomas Chalton, mayor, is bound by his 
'' written obligation to Katherine Carpenter, David 
^f Fyvian, clerk, and William Chedworth, executors 
" of the testament of John Carpenter, in lOZ. sterling, 
" the date whereof is the 23d day of December, in 
^' the twenty-eighth year of Henry the Sixth. 

'^ Also Henry Frowik, alderman, by his written 
" obligation of the aforesaid date, is bound to the 
^^ same executors in lOZ. sterling. 



105 

^' Also John Hatherle^ alderman j" and so on to 
the number of twenty in all *. 

And still later there is an entry to the following 
effect; viz., " Saturday the 29th day of July [1452] 
^' came here Katherine Carpenter_, widow^ and ac- 
^' knowledged herself to have received and had of 
''■ German Lynch_, goldsmith_, 155/. sterlings which 
" the same German had in his custody of the goods 
^' which the Lord Henry^ late cardinal of England 
'' and bishop of Winchester^ during his life^ gave to- 
" wards the repairs of London bridge ; of which 155/. 
" the said Katherine doth acquit the said German_, 
^' according as by a certain acquittance in the rolls of 
'' memoranda^ inrolled in the time of William Gre- 
'' gory then mayor^ plainly appears ".^^ 

Cardinal Beaufort was the third son of John of 
Gaunt; duke of Lancaster^ and consequently uncle to 
Henry the Fifth^, and great-uncle to Henry the Sixth. 
He was made bishop of Lincoln in 1398^ and trans- 
lated to the see of Winchester in 1405 ; he was sub- 
sequently raised to the degree of a cardinal, and also 
several times held the office of lord chancellor. He 
was the wealthiest and one of the most powerful per- 
sonages in the realm, and repeatedly lent large sums 
of money to the king, for which he held the king^s 
jewels, and even his crown, in pawn. He lies buried 

t Journal No. 5, fo. 31. « Jow^nal No. 5, fo. 83. 



'^■-^f. 






106 

under a magnificent tomb in the cathedral of Win- 
chester. 

In the year 1448 the city purchased of Carpenter^ s 
widow some property belonging to her near Leaden- 
hall^ for the purpose of enlarging the common garner 
there for the store of corn for the supply of the city x; 
and in 1453 she sold them some other ground there^ 
which was occupied by a chapel that had been erected 
by Simon Eyre^ late mayor of the city y. 

She lived until the year 1458^ and left two wills, 
one relating to her personal property, proved in the 
Commissary Court of London, and the other relating 
to real property, which was proved in the court of 
Hustings of London. Both these documents are given 
at length in the Appendix, Nos. III. and IV. 

It will perhaps assist in some degree the attainment 
of a just view of the life and character of John Car- 
penter, and the formation of a right estimate of the 
influences by which he was surrounded, to take a brief 
survey of some of the events and circumstances of 
contemporaneous occurrence and interest. 

A very slight acquaintance with history will suffice 
to show that the reigns of Richard the Second, Henry 
the Fourth, Henry the Fifth, and Henry the Sixth 
(which comprise the period within which Carpenter 

X Journal No. 4, fo. 231, 242. y Journal No. 5, fo. 114. 



107 

lived) were full of events of deep interest and impor- 
tance^ both to that and succeeding ages_, whether view- 
ed in relation to political^ social^, or religious afPairs. 

In the events of political importance^ much promi- 
nence is assignable to the long continued and deso- 
lating wars which were carried on between England 
and France^ and in which occurred the renowned 
victories gained by English prowess at Agincourt and 
other places. A more impressive picture of the horrors 
of the strife between the two nations could scarcely 
be drawn than is furnished by the instructions given 
to the English ambassadors who were authorized to 
attempt a pacification in the year 1439. They were 
to represent '' that the wars for the crown of France 
'^ had now lasted above a century ; that in this period 
" more men had perished in the contest than the po- 
" pulation of both kingdoms then amounted to ; and 
" that all the world did not contain so many noble 
^' princes^ knights^ squires^ and men of feats as these 
^^ wars had destroyed. ^^ The orators were to add^ 
" that it was too great sorrow and horror to think 
^^ or hear that so much blood had been shed; that 
^^ the Christian faith, which might have been dilated 
'' through the world, had in consequence greatly de- 
" creased ; and that either the conflict must be ter- 
^^ minated or one nation must destroy the other z.^^ 

z Turner's History of England, vol. iii. p. 26. 



108 

The dethronement and ignominious death of Ri- 
chard the Second^ as the result of his arbitrary and 
dissipated course ; together with the frequent insur- 
rections and civil commotions which disturbed the 
" able but remorseless career^^ of his vanquisher and 
successor Henry the Fourth and the reigns of the two 
following kings^ are also to be numbered amongst the 
political occurrences of great moment which distin- 
guish the period in question a. 

As respects the social aspect of the age^ it may be 
remarked as one of its distinctive characteristics that 
the English government and constitution was through- 
out this period gradually assuming a more settled form; 
the royal prerogative was declining^ the king became 
more dependant for his income upon parhamentary 
aids and grants_, the power of the commons in control- 
ling public affairs greatly increased,, and the general 
condition of the people experienced many meliora- 
tions and improvements b. 

Under Edward the Third much had been done for 
the advancement of domestic manufactures^ parti- 
cularly that of woollen cloths^ and for the improve- 
ment and extension of commerce. In his reign the 
incorporation of many of the city companies^ with 



a Pictorial History of England, book iv. chap, i., book v. chap. i. 

b Pictorial History of England, book iv. c. 3 ; Taylor's Book of 
Rights, or Constitutional Acts and Parliamentary Proceedings ; Hume's 
History of England. 



109 

grants of valuable privileges^ took place^ having most 
of them previously existed only as voluntary guilds or 
fraternities. Instances soon began to be of frequent 
occurrence of individuals rising to great wealthy and 
sometimes to rank and power^ through the successful 
pursuit of trade c. The city of London in particular 
went on increasing in wealth and importance,, and 
showing signs of progress and improvement. To have 
the support and assistance of the citizens became an 
object of great importance to successive kings^ from 
whom they were^ on that account^ enabled to obtain 
many valuable charters of privileges. In municipal 
history '' the reign of Richard the Second is a re- 
^' markable sera^ as we must refer to this period the 
" constitution of the city government as at present 
" established in the commonalty in common council 
'^ assembled ^/^ We may judge of the consideration 
in which the citizens were held at this time from the 
circumstance that in the assessment of the famous 
poll-tax^ which gave rise to Wat Tyler^s rebeUion^ the 
lord mayor was taxed the same as an earl^ and the 
aldermen as barons e. 

Amongst other events at this period^ of importance 
to London^ may be mentioned the visitation of a de- 



c Pictorial History of England, book v. chap. iy. 
d Norton's Commentaries, chap. xiii. p. 152. 

e Norton's Commentaries, p. 154^ quoting Cotton's Abridgement of 
the Records. 



no 

structive plague^ in 1407, which carried off thirty 
thousand victims f. 

In 1411 the corporation, feeling the inadequacy of 
the small building in which they had been accus- 
tomed to meet (and which gave the name to the street 
where it was situate, now called Aldermanbury), 
commenced the erection of their present spacious 
Guildhall s. Other improvements and works of pub- 
lic utility, equally indicative of the city's progression, 
occurred about the same time; as for instance, in 
1410, the erection of the Stocks market on the site 
where the Mansion-house now stands \ In 1414 an 
additional gate or postern in the city walls was erected 
at Moorgate i. In 1415 the first attempt was made at 
lighting the streets ; when the mayor, Sir Henry Bar- 
ton, ordered housekeepers to hang out lanterns in 
the winter evenings between AUhallows and Candle- 
mas 1^. In 1419 Leadenhall was erected as a public 
granary, in which corn might be stored against a time 
of dearth 1 ; and, in 1423, Newgate was rebuilt by the 
executors of Sir Eichard Whityngton, and conduits 
were erected in several places for better supplying the 



f Maitland's London, vol. i. p. 185. S Stow's Survey, p. 273. 
h Fabian's Chronicle, part vii. p. 351. 
i Stow's Survey, p. 521. k Stow's Survey, p. 521. 

1 Mabitl&nd's London, vol. i. p. 187. 
m lUd., p. 188. 

n 'Nichols's London Pageants, 1S31; Taylor's Glory of Hegality, 1820, 
book v.; Knight's Life of William Caxton, 1844, p. 33. 



Ill 

city with water "i. Public processions and pageants 
of great splendour were also frequently indulged in 
during the period under review n. 

With regard to religious affairs^ the period is full of 
interest. It was then that WiclifPe^ " the morning star 
" of the reformation/^ by his teaching and his writings,, 
was spreading doctrines which^ in the language of a 
writer of the Eomish church «_, '' were soon to revolu- 
^^ tionize the minds of many^ and to shake the pillars 
'^ of papal power/^ He gave to his countrymen the 
first translation into the English language of the en- 
tire Scriptures P^ and maintained the right of every 
one to read them for himself. By his erudition and 
intellectual capacity^, and his vigorous exposure of the 
errors and abuses of the churchy his followers became 
so numerous that they were supposed to amount to 
one half the kingdom q. The Lollards, as they were 
called, became the objects of the bitterest hatred and 
persecution by the clergy, who, although losing their 
hold on the popular mind ^^ yet had influence enough 
to procure (but not, it would appear, without recourse 
to surreptitious means «) the hateful enactment for 
putting those whom they adjudged to be heretics to 

o Rev. Joseph Berington, Literary History of Middle Ages, book \d. 
p Thomson's Ilhistrations of British History, vol. i. p. 68. 
q Ibid., p. 65. 

r Pictorial History of England, vol. ii. pp. 137-139. 
s Hannay's History of the Representation of England, 1831^ p. 118^ 
on the authority of the Rolls of Parliament, 2 Hen. V. 



112 

death by burning. This detestable law * was passed in 
1401; and it was not suffered long to remain inopera- 
tive. The first victim under it was William Sawtre_, 
a priest of St. Osith^s in London u_, who was brought 
to the stake in Smithfield^ in March^ 1401. In 1410, 
one Badby, called in some accounts a tailor, in others 
a smith, suflPered a similar death in the same place, on 
which occasion the Prince of Wales (afterwards Henry 
the Fifth) was present, and tried, without avail, aU 
his powers of persuasion to shake the constancy of 
the poor man, and induce him to recant his heretical 
opinions ^. Other victims followed from time to time, 
the foremost amongst them being a man of noble 
rank, who had been a friend and associate of the king 
himself, viz.j the famous Lord Cobham y. 

The period of which we are speaking was also di- 
stinguished for the great schism which prevailed in 
the church of Rome, and tended much to weaken its 
influence through the contending claims of two and 
even three rival popes, all pretending to infallibility 
at the same time. The council of Constance, convened 



t Stat. 2 Hen. IV. c. 15. 

u Now called St. Benet Shereliog. Stow's Survey, p. 262, 
X Holinshed's Chronicles; Thomas Walsingham's Historia Anglice. 
y Pictorial History of England, book v. chap. ii. Rapin says of Lord 
Cobham^ he was the first nobleman who suffered for the reformed reli- 
gion. For courage^ learning, and capacity he had few if any equals 
in the age he lived in ; and his memory has been honoured in all subse- 
quent times (Hannay's History of the Representation, p. 124). 



113 

in 1414^ asserted the superior authority of general 
councils over the nominal head of the church_, by de- 
posing each of these pontiffs^ and attempted to restore 
the peace of the church by electing another. By de- 
crees of this council the celebrated John Huss was 
condemned to the stake in Bohemia_, and vengeance 
wreaked upon the lifeless corpse of the English re- 
former Wicliffe^ by his remains being dug up from 
his grave and burnt^ and ignominiously thrown into 
a river z. 

Notwithstanding the existing discouragements and 
impediments to mental advancement,, various influ- 
ences were at work in this age^ in different parts of 
Europe^ tending to the revival of learning^ and the 
spread of knowledge amongst the people. The labours 
of Dante^ Petrarch^ and Boccaccio^ the cultivation of 
Grecian literature^ the introduction into Europe of 
algebra from the Arabians % the encouragement given 
to learning by the family of Medici in Florence^ are 
circumstances the influence of which conferred on this 
period a peculiar importance and interest b. 

With regard to England in particular^ the sera is 
remarkable for its being that in which English litera- 



z Waddington's History of the Church, chap. 23, 25; SceTies from 
the History of the Christian Church, 1846, p. J' 7. 

a Bell's View of Universal History and Literature, 1833. 

b Berington's Literary Histwy of the Middle Ages, bookvi, ; Hallam's 
Introduction to the Literature of Europe, vol. i. chap. 1, 2. 



114 

ture may be said to have liad its origin. It was the 
age which produced the numerous works of Wicliffe, 
Chaucer^jGower^Maundeville, the accomplished James 
the First of Scotland,, and other English writers, 
whose labours contributed so much to the cultivation 
and improvement of the language and literature of 
this country c. 

Brief and imperfect as it is^ this review of the pe- 
riod in which it was Carpenter's lot to live will suffice 
to show that it was one of stirring interest to those 
who were contemporary with it, and fraught with re- 
sults of enduring importance to succeeding ages. 

The details which have been given of the life and 
actions of John Carpenter carry with them so clear 
an indication of the general character of the man, that 
it would be superfluous to extend this narrative by 
any elaborate disquisition on the subject. But still 
there are some strongly marked facts and features 
which may without impropriety be alluded to in draw- 
ing this memoir to a close, as tending to enhance our 
interest in him, and to increase our reverence for his 
memory. 

In the first place, it is worthy of remark that from 
his early youth to the close of his life he seems to 
have been constantly engaged in pursuits intimately 

c Pictorial History of England, hook \y. chap, v.; Turner's History 
of England, vol. v. 



115 

connected with the public interests^ and especially 
those more immediately affecting the welfare of his 
native city ; and there is ample evidence both of the 
great usefulness of his labours for the public good, 
and of the high degree in which they were appreci- 
ated at the time. His whole course seems to en- 
title him to be regarded as a man habitually acting 
under the influence of religious principles,, and in the 
exercise of a piety eminently practical ; and there are 
decided proofs that he was a staunch lover of justice, 
and an inflexible opponent to wrong doing, however 
influential the quarters in which it might be exhi- 
bited. His taste for literature, and his intimate asso- 
ciation with men of learning, who were distinguished 
for their efforts to promote the advancement of so- 
ciety in a degree beyond most of their contemporaries, 
confer also a peculiar interest upon his personal his- 
tory. And the genial benevolence of mind which 
seems to have marked the whole course of his life, 
and is especially evident in the disposition which he 
made of his property, adds a charm to his character 
which will ever render it worthy of endearing remem- 
brance. These and other points which might be re- 
ferred to, which will doubtless occur to the mind of 
an attentive reader of the foregoing memoir, must, 
we think, lead to the conviction that the individual 
who forms the subject of it was something more than 
an ordinary every-day man, and that his career was 

i2 



116 

strongly marked by characteristics which claim di- 
stinctive admiration and applause. 

It only remains to add that the corporation of Lon- 
don_, who have good reason to exult in the eminent 
position which the City of London School has attained 
under their fostering care^ have_, in a spirit of just 
gratitude^ honoured the memory of John Carpenter, 
by causing a statue of him to be placed in a conspi- 
cuous part of the building,, with an inscription, which 
presents a faithful outline of his character and good 
deeds, and will form an appropriate conclusion to the 
present narrative. It occupies five sides of an octa- 
y gonal pedestaL and is as follows : 



To the Memory of 
JOHN CARPENTER, 

an eminent citizen of London 

and member of the Company of Mercers, 

who lived during the reigns of 

Henry V. and Henry VI. 

and who bequeathed 

to the corporation of this city 

certain lands and tenements 

for the purpose of 

maintaining and educating four boys 

and sending them to the Universities ; 

from which bequest resulted 

the foundation and endowment of 

The City of London School, 

under the authority of 

an Act of Parliament, 

A.D. M.DCCC.XXXIV. 



117 



He was distinguished by 

his general attainments and learning ; 

his knowledge of the 

laws customs and privileges of this city ; 

his integrity of character, and universal benevolence. 

From his earliest youth he was devoted 

to the service of his fellow-citizens, 

and throughout the course of his life 

proved himself 

a ready defender of their rights 

and a zealous promoter of their interests. 

He was elected 
Common Clerk or Town Clerk of London, 

A.D. M.CCCC.XVII., 

and held that office for twenty-one years, 

during which period 

he compiled the valuable treatise still extant 

under the title of " Liber Albus." 

He likewise 

represented the city in Parliament, 

A.D. M.cccc.xxxvi. and m.cccc.xxxix. 



As one of the 

Executors of Sir Richard Whittington, 

he conferred essential benefits 

on the city 

by promoting various public works, 

especially 

the erection of Conduits, 

the rebuilding of Newgate, 

the enlargement of the Hospital of Saint Bartholomew, 

the completion of the Guildhall, 

and the formation of a Library attached thereto, 

to which he subsequently bequeathed 

sundry rare books 

for the benefit of students 

resorting to the same. 

In token of his eminent services, 

he was honoured 

both by his sovereign and fellow-citizens 

with peculiar immunities 

and privileges. 



118 



He left munificent bequests 

to the Charterhouse, 

and the Fraternity of Sixty Priests in London, 

of which brotherhoods he was a member, 

as well as to many other 

religious establishments and persons ; 

also 

to the hospitals of 

Saint Mary within Cripplegate, 

Saint Mary Avithout Bishopsgate, 

Saint Bartholomew in Smithfield, 

Saint Katherine near the Tower, and 

Saint Thomas in South wark ; 

to the houses 

for poor licpers at Holborn, Locks, and Hackney, 

and for poor Madmen at Bethlem ; 

and 

to the poor prisoners in Newgate, Ludgate, 

the Fleet, Marshalsea, and King's Bench, 

and the Prison of Convicts 

at Westminster. 



He died 
on the xiith of May, M.cccc.xLii.; 

and was buried 

before the chancel of the church of 

Saint Peter, Cornhill, 

of which parish 

he was an inhabitant and a liberal benefactor. 

Thus 

his comprehensive charity 

embraced all the necessities 

of his fellow men ; 

and 

the general conduct of his life 

exhibited the character 

of one who 

(in the words of Holy Writ) 

desired 

" To do justly, love mercy, 

and 

" walk humbly with his God." 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX. 



I. 

LIST OF 
BOOKS BELONGING TO JOHN CARPENTER, 

WHICH AEE MENTIONED IN HIS WILL, 

WITH BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES, cfcc. 



1. " My little book containing ' Alanus de Anti- 
" claudiano/ and other notable things." 

The " Anticlaudianus" is a Latin poem of nine books, 
much in the manner of Claudian, and written in defence of 
Divine Providence against a passage in that poet's Rufinus. 
It was a famous book in the middle ages (Warton's History 
of English Poetry, vol. i. p. cxxxii., and vol. ii. p. 166). '' It 
" treats," says Mr. Turner {History of England, vol. iv. 
p. 166), " on the seven arts and sciences, and morals, with 
" great fluency of versification and some good precepts." 
Chaucer alludes to the work in his House of Fame, book ii. 
Hne478. There are as many as three copies of it in the 
Cottonian MSS. in the British Museum, viz., Vespasianus 
A X. (1) fo. 1 ; Titus D XX. (18) fo. 138 ; Cleopatra B vi. 
(3) fo. 87. There is also an old French translation of it in 
Bibl. Reg. Paris. MSS. cod. 7632. 



122 

Alanus de Insulis (or Alan de I'lsle), a poet and divine, 
who died in 1202, is described as one of the greatest of the 
schoolmen (Newman's Life of St. Stephen Harding, chap, 
vii. p. 69). Mosheim says of him he was " a logician who 
" made no mean figure among the disputatious tribe ; who 
'' applied himself also to the study of chemistry, and pub- 
" lished several moral discourses, in which there are many 
" wise and useful exhortations and precepts" {Ecclesiastical 
History, vol. i. p. 618). It is not clear whether he was an 
Enghshman or not. An account of his life and writings 
may be read in Tanner's Bibliotheca Britannico-Hibernica, 
p. 16. (Turner's History of England, vol. iv. p. 166). 

2. " My little book containing *^ Alanus de planctu/ 
" with other notable things." 

" De planctu naturae," the plaint of nature, by the same 
author as the last, is a work partly prose and partly me- 
trical. It is quoted by Chaucer in his poem The assembly 
of Foules, line 316. Several copies of it exist in the British 
Museum, Cottonian MSS. Vespasianus B xxiii. (4) fo. 84 ; 
Cleopatra B vi. (4) fo.l54 ; and Harl. MSS. 492. 

3. Alanus de planctu. 

The same work, with other tracts, in a paper book. 

4. ^^ My book ^ de meditationibus et orationibus 
'^ Sancti Anselmi'." 

Anselm was archbishop of Canterbury in the reigns of 
William the Second and Henry the First. He died in 1109. 
His comprehensive knowledge and intellectual powers 
caused him to rank in literature as the first man of his age. 



123 

He delighted in the interior exercises of devotion, and was 
one of the most eminent masters in the contemplative way. 
His meditations and prayers have been extoUed as exhibit- 
ing a most tender and exalted devotion, and a deep know- 
ledge of the spirit of Christianity (Mohler's Life ofAnselm 
translated by Rymer, introd. p. xii. pp. 20-23 ; Butler's 
Lives of the Saints, April 21; Berington's Literary History, 
bookiv. p. 172). Anselm's works were printed in 1675, and 
again in 1721. A MS. copy of the Meditations exists in the 
Harleian collection. No. 178 : I have an old Enghsh trans- 
lation in manuscript, and a copy printed at Rome 1697. 

5. ^' That book on architecture which Master Wil- 
" liam Cleve gave to me.^^ 

For an account of Master Cleve see page 61. 

6. " That book ' cum Secretis Aristotelis/ ^fc, 
" which my master Marchaunt gave to me.^^ 

7. Liber de regimine dominorum, otherwise called 
Secretum secretorum Aristotelis. 

The " Secreta Secretorum" was a very popular book in 
the middle ages. It was a sort of an abridgement of the 
Aristotehc philosophy, which, it is pretended by the mystic 
writers, Aristotle made in his old age, and addressed to his 
pupil Alexander the Great. The work was treated as ge- 
nuine, and explained with a learned gloss by Roger Bacon. 
It was also transcribed and illustrated with a commentary 
for the use of Edward the Third ; but it was a spurious 
compilation, filled with many Arabian innovations and ab- 
surdities. It was partly translated into English verse by 



124 

Lidgate, and Gower also was indebted to it for the greatest 
part of the eighth book of his Confessio Amantis. It is al- 
luded to by Chaucer in the Canon Yeoman's Tale (v. 16915). 
Manuscript copies of it exist in the Vatican library at Rome^ 
the Bodleian Kbrary at Oxford, and in the Cottonian and 
Harleian collections in the British Museum, where also are 
some printed editions both in Latin and Enghsh. In the 
pubhc library at Cambridge is an early English edition, with 
the following title : '* The secret of secrets of Aristotyle, 
" with the governale of princes and every manner of estate ; 
" with rules of helth for body and soul, very profitable for 
" every man, very gode to teche children to rede English. 
" Newly translated out of French, and emprented at Lon- 
*' don by Eobert Copland, in 1528." (Warton's History of 
English Poetry, vol. ii. pp. 230-1 ; Tyrwhitt's Notes on 
Chaucer, 8^c.). I have in my possession a rare Latin copy, 
printed in Gothic letter at Lyons, in 1528. 

8. " That book ' Biblise abbreviatse/ ^c.j which 
" John Sudbury gave to me.^^ 

(Including also No. 15). 

9. A book ' De corpore pollecie/ in French. 
This is now an uncommon book. An English translation 

of it, printed upon vellum in 1521, is in the pubhc library 
at Cambridge, with the following title : " The book which 
'' is called the Body of Policye : and it speketh of vertues 
" and good maners. Imprinted at London, without New- 
'' gate, in St. Pulker's parysh, by John Skot, the year 
" Mcccccxj." (Hartshorne's Book Rarities in the University 
of Cambridge, p. 164.) 



125 

10. De miseria conditionis humanse. 

(Contained in the book given him by his master Mar- 
chaunt. No. 6.) 

This work was written about the year 1200, by Cardinal 
Lotario, afterwards Pope Innocent the Third. An edition 
of it was printed at Cologne, 1496 (Warton's History of 
English Poetry, vol. i. p. ceii.). A manuscript copy (per- 
haps the very one that had belonged to Carpenter, was, in 
1448, in the hbrary of Elsing spital in London Wall (Mal- 
colm's Londinlum Redivivum, vol. i. p. 29). Other copies 
are still to be found in the British Museum, amongst the 
Cottonian MSS. Vespasian D xiii. No. 4, fo. 98 ; and in 
the Harleian MSS. No. 323, 17, and No. 325, 12. 

11. De remediis utriusque fortunse. 

A treatise " on the remedies of both extremes of fortune," 
written in Latin by Petrarch in 1358, in the form of dia- 
logue. It made a great noise when it appeared, and was 
quickly translated into French, Italian, and Spanish. It was 
printed as early as 1471. Though generally attributed to 
Petrarch, Dr. Dibdin says it was written by Hadrian, a 
Carthusian monk {B'lbliotheca Spenceriana, vol. iii. p. 452). 
I have in my possession a Latin copy printed in 1616 ; and 
also a curious black-letter EngHsh version, entitled " Phy- 
" sicke against fortune, as well prosperous as adverse ; writ- 
" ten in Latin by Francis Petrarch, and now first englished 
" by Francis Twyne : London, 1579." For a character of 
the work see Life of Petrarch, by Thomas Campbell, 1841. 

12. Dispositio et regimen bellorum duorum et 
acierum guerrarum. 



126 

13. ^'^ That book which Master Roger Dymok made^ 
" ^ contra duodecim errores et hereses LoUardorum/ 
" and gave to King Richard^ and which book John 
^' Wilok gave to me/' 

Roger Dymok was a learned Dominican and professor of 
theology. His work against the doctrines of WicliiFe and 
the Lollards was addressed to Richard the Second, and was 
also openly attached for pubhc perusal to the gate of West- 
minster hall at the time a parhament was assembled (Tan- 
ner's Bibliotheca Britannico-Hibernica, p. 243). A copy is 
mentioned by Leland as existing in the library of Croyland 
abbey {Collectanea^ vol. iii. p. 30) ; and it appears to have 
had a place also in the hbraries of several other religious 
houses. (Hunter's English Monastic Libraries). 

14. Ecclesiasticus. 

15. Historise Provinciarum. 

16. Law books of forms and precedents. 
Described as " books of the modes of entry and engross- 

*' ing of the acts and records, as well according to the 
" common law of the realm as the custom of the city of 
" London." 

17. Philobiblon Ricardi Dunelmensis. 

A remarkable treatise on " the love of books," written 
about 1343, by Richard de Bury, bishop of Durham, chan- 
cellor and treasurer of Edward the Tlind. Mr. HaUam says 
of him, " we may justly praise Richard of Bury for his zeal 
in collecting books" (he is said to have possessed more 



127 

books than all the bishops of England together : Warton's 
Hist, of English Poetry, vol. i. p. cxv.) ; " and still more for 
" his mnnificence in giving his library to the university of 
" Oxford, with special injunctions that they should be lent 
" to scholars." {Literary History, vol. i. p. 105). The work 
is still worthy of being read, as containing some curious 
illustrations of the state of literature. Its object peculi- 
arly was " to excite a love of general study ; an encourage- 
" ment of new books ; a desire to collect them j a taste for 
" the liberal arts ; indulgence for poetry ; and an increased 
" facility to students to read the books that were obtained." 
(Turner's History of England, vol. v. p. 458-9). Copies of 
the work exist in the Harleian MSS. No. 492, and the Cot- 
tonian MSS. App. iv. No. 4, fo. 103. It has been several 
times printed, viz., at Cologne, 1473 ; Spires, 1483; Paris, 
1500 ; Oxford, 1598 ; Leipsic, 1674. An Enghsh transla- 
tion, with notes by Mr. Inglis, was published in London in 
1832 (of which I possess a copy) ; and another more re- 
cently, by Mr. W. S. Gibson of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 

18. " That little book called ^ Prosperus de vita 
^' contemplativa^' with other things in the same.^^ 

St. Prosper was a learned layman of Aquitaine, hving 
A.D. 403-463, and secretary to the pope St. Leo the Great. 
His work on the contemplative life is mentioned by Petrarch 
as being in use in his time as a school book (HaUam's Lite- 
rary History, vol. i. p. 110). But Butler, in his account of 
St. Prosper {Lives of the Saints, June 25th), considers this 
work not to have been written by him. A copy, printed in 
1487, is included in Osborne's catalogue of the Harleian 
library, vol. v. No. 7392. 



128 

19. Quidam de vetula. 

An hexameter poem in three books, formerly attributed 
to Ovid. It is quoted as his in the PhUobiblon (edit. 1832, 
p. 62), and is printed in some of the early editions of his 
works {ibid. p. 140, note). Mr. HaUam, in his Literary 
History (vol. i. p. 105) caUs it " a wretched poem." War- 
ton says it was translated into French by Jean le Fevre, by 
command of Charles the Fifth ; and adds in a note the fol- 
lowing particulars respecting it : " Polycarpus Leyserus 
" supposes this piece to be the forgery of one Leo Protono- 
" tarius, an officer in the court at Constantinople, who 
" writes the preface {Hist. Poes. Med. JEv. p. 2089). He 
" proves the work supposititious from its several arabicisms 
" and scriptural expressions, 8^c. Bradwardine cites many 
" lines from it {Advers. Pelag. p. 33), as does Bacon in his 
" astrological tracts. It is condemned by Bede as heretical : 
" in Boeth. de Trinit. : Selden intended a dissertation on 
" this forgery {De Synedr. iii. 16)." History of English 
Poetry, vol. ii. p. 316. 

20. Seneca ad Callionem. 

A copy of this work, by Lucius Annseus Seneca, a cele- 
brated Stoic philosopher born about the beginning of the 
Christian sera, is in the Cottonian MSS. Vespasian E xii. 
(13) fo. 115 b. 

21. Seneca de quatuor virtutibus cardinalibus. 

This work on the four cardinal virtues (Prudence, Jus- 
tice, Temperance, and Fortitude) was a great favourite in 
the theological ages, and is attributed to Lucius Annseus 
Seneca (mentioned above) . But Warton says, " It is sup- 



129 

" posititious. It was forged about the year 560, by Martia- 
" nus, an archbishop of Portugal, whom Gregory of Tours 
" calls the most eminent writer of his time." {History of 
English Poetry, vol. ii. p. 318). A manuscript copy exists 
among the Cottonian MSS. Vespasian E xii. (10) fo. 106 ; 
and I possess a curious Latin copy, printed in black letter 
at Nuremberg, in 1507. 

22. Sententise diversorum prophetarum : trans- 
lated from Greek into Latin^ by Peter de Alphense. 

Peter Alphonsus was a converted Jew, in 1106. He pub- 
lished a dialogue, which seems to have been no contemptible 
defence of Christianity against his countrymen. He was 
eminent for sacred and profane Hterature (Milner's Church 
History, vol. iii. p. 89). He compiled in Latin, under the 
title of DiscipUna Clericalis, a collection of stories derived 
from the East, many of which were very popular in the 
twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth centuries {Gesta Roma- 
norum, translated by Rev. C. Swan, vol. i. p. xlviii., vol. ii. 
pp. 449-50). 

23. " My little book ' de Parabolis Solamonis'." 

(Included in the same volume with Nos. 11, 14, 20, 21). 

The " Paraboles of Salomon" are also mentioned by 
Chaucer as being joined with other works in forming a sin- 
gle volume (Wife of Bath's Prologue, Hne 6251-63). A copy 
of the Parabolce Salomonis is mentioned as being in the 
library belonging to Elsing spital, London Wall, in 1448 
(Malcolm's Lond. Eediv. ,yo\. i. p. 27). There are two copies 
in the British Museum, one in the Cottonian MSS. Vesp. 
D vi. No. 1, the other in the Harleian MSS. No. 211 (147). 

K 



130 

24. Speculum morale regium. 

This work was probably the second part of an encyclo- 
paedic compilation, made about the middle of the thirteenth 
century, by Vincent de Beauvais, who lived under Louis the 
Ninth of France, and, on account of his extraordinary eru- 
dition, was appointed preceptor to that king's sons. The 
entire collection consists of ten volumes, and is entitled 
" Speculum naturale, morale, doctrinale, et historiale." The 
Speculum morale is chiefly a compilation from Thomas 
Aquinas and other theologians of the same age. (Hallam's 
Literature of Europe ^ vol. i. p. 160 ; Warton's History of 
English Poetry, vol. i. p. 140). 

25. Theology. '' My book in French,, which be- 
^' longed to Sir Thomas Pykworth^ containing the 
'' ten commandments^ the twelve articles of faith^ the 
" seven theological virtues, and other things." 

For a note respecting Sir Thomas Pykworth see p. 98 (b). 

26. Tract atus dictaminis. 

A copy of " Tractatulus de natura epistolaris dictaminis" 
exists among the Cottonian MSS. Cleop. B vi. (8) fo. 230. 

Also sundry books " de devotionibus^ moralitatibus^ 
et dictaminibus ;" and sundry ^^ good and rare books/^ 
of which no particular description is given. 



( 



131 



II. 

WILL (No. 2) a OF JOHN CARPENTER. 

From the Eegistry of the Commissary Court of London. 



(translation.) 

In the name of God, Amen. I John Carpynter junior, 
citizen of London, cogitating with earnest meditation how 
brief are the days of man, and that many persons, losing 
their time in leisure and enjoyment, are suddenly beset with 
trials, and die very often intestate : Willing therefore, with 
God as my guide, whilst yet in the enjoyment of life and 
health, and before languor clouds my reason, so to dispose 
of my frail and transitory goods that at the time of my 
departure from this world I may more calmly direct my 
whole mind to the Lord God my Saviour and Redeemer, 
and return him thanks for benefits bestowed, and humbly 
ask pardon for my transgressions : it is for this that, being 
sound in body and mind, thanks be to God, I do now make, 
ordain, appoint, and declare this my last will and testament 
in form following. In the first place, with all possible de- 
votedness, I do commend my sinful soul to the Lord Jesus 
Christ my Saviour and Redeemer, and to his glorious mother 



a So numbered because in it is recognized (as appears on pp. 134, 142) 
the existence of another will, relating to his lands and tenements, but 
which unfortunately has not hitherto been discovered. 

k2 



132 

Mary, and the whole college of all the saints above ; and my 
vile corpse to be buried near the pulpit before the entrance 
of the chief chancel of the church of St. Peter of Cornhill ^, 
where I am a parishioner ; willing that my funeral shall be 
made in an humble manner, to wit, mth a black wooUen 
cloth to be put upon my bier, and a wax taper of ten or 
twelve pounds at my head, and another at my feet, and 
with four or six torches at the most to be held around me, 
without any attendance of the rich or other worldly pomp. 
And I will that the torch-bearers be honest and virtuous 
poor indigent persons, to be chosen according to the discre- 
tion of my executors ; and that each of them shall have for 
his labour, and to pray for my soul, twenty pence, and one 
gown with a hood of strong russet cloth, lined with blanket. 
And that my same executors, after my funeral is over, shall 
bestow the aforesaid black cloth upon some poor and de- 
vout person, man or woman, to clothe himself therewith, and 
to pray for my soul. And I wiU also that the wax tapers 
aforesaid, after my said exequies, shall serve, as long as 
they will last, at the burial of the poor in the church of 
St. Peter aforesaid ; and that the torches aforesaid hkewise, 
as long as they will last, shall serve at the celebration 
of divine service in the same church, and in the church 
of St. Martin Outwich where my parents He buried. For 
I bequeath to the high altar and to the rector of the said 
church of St. Peter, for my tithes and oblations, if any 
there be forgotten or unpaid, thirteen shillings and four- 



b His wife, in her Will No. 1 (Appendix III.), desires to be buried 
" in the chirche of Sejoit Petre in Cornhull, before the quere doore there, 
" where John Carpynter my late husbande lieth." 



133 

pence ; and to the same rector devoutly to keep and cele- 
brate my exequies in the same church during one month 
after my death, and to each of the other chaplains there to 
pray for my soul, and to be present at my said exequies 
during the same month, six shillings and eightpence ; and 
also to each of the parish clerks of the same, three shillings 
and fourpence ; and to the fabric or repairs of the same 
church forty shillings. Also I bequeath for the sustenance 
and finding of a fit and devout priest to celebrate divine 
service daily in the same church for my soul, and the souls 
of my said parents and of all the faithful deceased, during 
the three years next after my death, twenty pounds c. I 
bequeath also to the fabric of the said church of St. Martin 
forty shillings ; and to the rector of the same, to keep* my 
exequies in form aforesaid during the month, ten shillings ; 
and to each of the other chaplains of the same church, to 
pray for my soul and the souls of my same parents and of 
all the faithful deceased, and to be present at my same exe- 
quies, and to celebrate daily in the same church for the same 
souls during the said month next after my death, six shil- 
lings and eightpence ; and to the parish clerk there, three 
shilhngs and fourpence. Also, to the praise and honour of 
God and of St. Martin, and that my soul, and the souls of 
Katherine my vrife and of my said parents, may be the more 
heartily remembered in the devotions and divine services 
henceforth to be made within the same church of St. Martin, 
I give and bequeath for the service in the same church my 

c Both he and his wife left subsequent provision for the continuance of 
a like daily service. And she also provided for a perpetual anniversary on 
the 12th of May, in the same church, and on other days in other places.— 
See p. 135 of this Will : and her Will (No. 2) in Appendix IV. 



134 

great missale, and my best silver-gilt cup, together with my 
silver-gilt paxarium, and my two phials or cruets of silver, 
and my casula of white damask, with all its trinmiing. Also 
I ^dll and bequeath that out of fifty marks weight of my 
silver vessels, which have very often served me for the un- 
reasonable and vain glory of the world, shall be made and 
provided, according to the discretion of my executors, eccle- 
siastical vessels and ornaments, for continual service in the 
said churches of St. Peter and St. Martin, to the praise and 
honour of God. In like manner, I will that my furred 
gowns and other sumptuous vestments, which, God forgive 
me, I have many times abused in superfluous and useless 
observances, may be sold, and with their price be purchased, 
and given out to poor devout persons having need thereof, 
competent clothing, according to the discretion aforesaid. 
Moreover, I give and bequeath to the said Katherine my 
wife, over and above those twenty hbrates of land, and rent, 
which I have bequeathed and assigned to her by another 
will made of my lands and tenements, one hundred marks 
sterling in ready money, and fifty marks weight of my bet- 
termost gold and silver jewels and vessels not bequeathed 
in my present will, together with the moiety of all my kit- 
chen vessels and utensils pertaining to my house or hostel 
in London. Also I give and bequeath to the same Katherine 
all that my new tenement or hostel wherein I dwell, in the 
parish of St. Peter in Cornhill, together with the garden 
adjacent, and the houses, cellars, soUars, and other appur- 
tenances situate as well on the north side of the same hostel 
towards the high street, as on the south side of the said 

d For particulars of this grant see page 38. 



I 



135 

garden, near the ancient chapel of Leadenhall, in which 
said tenement or hostel, with the garden, cellars, sollars, 
and the other appurtenances aforesaid, I the aforesaid John 
Carpynter have an estate and term of seventy years and up- 
wards now to come, by grant of the mayor and commonalty 
of the city aforesaid, as in divers indentures thereof made 
between us fully appears ^: to have and hold all the afore- 
said tenement or hostel, with the garden adjacent, and the 
houses, cellars, sollars, and other its appurtenances, to the 
aforesaid Katherine, for the term of twenty years next fol- 
lowing after my death, if the same Katherine shall happen 
so long to Hve 6; but aU my estate and term therein to come 
after the said twenty years, and immediately after the death 
of the same Katherine if she shall die in the mean time, I 
give and bequeath to the rector of the church of St. Peter 
aforesaid, and the wardens of the works and ornaments of 
the same church, to have and to hold to them and their 
successors during all the same term thereafter to come, for 
the exhibition and finding, with the emoluments and profits 
of all the said tenement or hostel, with the houses, cellars, 
sollars, gardens, and all other its appurtenances, a fit and 
honest chaplain to celebrate divine service in the church of 
St. Martin aforesaid, during five years after the said hostel 
with the said appurtenances shall come into their hands, 
for my soul and the soul of the said Katherine, and also the 
souls of our parents, benefactors, and all the faithful de- 
ceased ; and after the same five years, to dispose and distri- 
bute, out of the same emoluments and profits, yearly, during 
the whole term thereafter to come in the aforesaid tenements 

e She lived about fifteen years after him. 



136 

with the appurtenances, four pounds sterling amongst the 
poorer honest persons of the parishes of St. Peter and St. 
Martin aforesaid ; that is to say, in each of the same parishes 
forty shillings, at the terms within written, to wit, on Christ- 
mas eve, on Easter eve, the eve of the nativity of St. John 
the Baptist, and the eve of St. Michael, by equal portions, 
and this according to the discretion and conscience of the 
rector and wardens of the churches aforesaid for the time 
being ; and all the residue which shall remain out of the 
like profits, over and above the due repair and charges of 
the tenement aforesaid, to be disposed of yearly about the 
necessary repair of the works and ornaments of the church 
of St. Peter aforesaid : Saving always and reserved out of the 
emoluments and profits aforesaid, twenty-six shillings and 
eightpence sterhng, to be taken and yearly divided between 
the rector and wardens of the same church for the time 
being, in equal portions, for their labour and diligence done 
and apphed about the fulfilment of the premises. Also I 
bequeath ten marks to be disposed of and distributed whilst 
I am lying at the point of death, or within two days after 
my death, amongst my poorer neighbours in the parish of 
St. Peter and in the next parishes ; and twenty marks after- 
wards by turns, within the next year, at the good discretion 
of my executors. Also I give and bequeath to my brother 
Robert, as a memorial, and to superintend the execution of 
my present will, one of those two silver-gilt cups with a lid 
which Thomas KnoUe gave me, weighing twenty-five ounces ; 
and in like manner I give and bequeath to my brother John 
the other of the same cups, being of the same weight. Also 
I give and bequeath to my kinsman Richard, son of my 
said brother Robert, for the increase of his estate when he 



137 

shall arrive at full age and mature discretion, one hundred 
shillings sterling. Also in like manner to John, son of my 
brother John, other one hundred shillings sterling. Also I 
give and bequeath to Joan, daughter of the said Robert, at 
her marriage, one hundred shillings sterhng, and " unam 
bassam peciam," with a lid chased after the manner of a 
rose, with a little round apple and a sun gilt at the summit, 
and a salt-cellar, and twelve silver spoons. Also I bequeath 
to Katherine, another daughter of the same Robert, who has 
been with me from her youth, at her marriage f, ten marks 
sterling, and " unam bassam peciam," with a lid with a little 
round apple on the summit of the cover, weighing twenty- 
three ounces and a half, with a salt-cellar and twelve silver 
spoons. Also I bequeath to Margery, daughter of my said 
brother John, one hundred shillings at her marriage, and 
" unam peciam stantem,"' with a lid with a red flower {cum 
hlodio fiore) enamelled as well on the bottom of the piece 
as on the cover, and a salt-cellar, and twelve silver spoons. 
Also I bequeath to the prior and convent of the Charter- 
house of Shene forty shillings. Also I bequeath to the prior 
and convent of the Charterhouse near London, of which I 
am an unworthy brother, forty shillings ; and to the frater- 
nity of Sixty Priests of London, whereof I am likewise a 
brother, forty shillings. Also I give and bequeath to Master 
John Carpynter, warden of the hospital of St. Anthony &, 
as a memorial of me, that book on architecture^ which 
Master William Cleve i gave to me ; and in Hke manner I 

f See note respecting her on page 94 (r). 
g For particulars respecting him see pp. 62, 60. 

^ For notices of the several books mentioned in this will see Appen- 
dix I., p. 121. i See page 61. 



138 

give and bequeath to Sir Jolin Neell \ master of St. Thomas 
de Aeon, that book " cum Secretis Aristotehs," and " De 
miseria conditionis humanse," and other notable things, 
which my master Marchaunt gave to me. Also I give and 
bequeath to John Bukberd, master of the hospital of St. 
Bartholomew in West Smithfield, twenty shillings. Also I 
give and bequeath to Master William Lichfeldl, rector of 
AUhallows in Roperia, twenty shillings ; and to Sire Regi- 
nald Pecok ^, master of the college of St. Michael in Riola, 
twenty shiUings ; and to every chaplain of the said college, 
three shiUings and fourpence ; and to every other chaplain, 
not being a fellow, celebrating in the same church or col- 
lege, two shillings ; and to every clerk of the same college 
or chm'ch, twenty pence. And I humbly beseech the said 
priors, convents, and other priests, my most dear fathers, 
that they will deign to have me heartily and especially re- 
membered in their devout orisons as long as they shall 
please. Also I give and bequeath to the choristers of the 
said college, to be shared equally amongst them, forty pence ; 
and to the " mancipium" of the same college, twenty pence. 
Also I bequeath to the tutor, and to each of the poor of the 
hospital near the said college, heartily to pray for my soul, 
twelve pence. Also I give and bequeath under the same 
form to every recluse in London, and for seven miles round, 
three shillings and fourpence. Also I bequeath to the prio- 
ress of Halywell, and to every nun there, under the same 
form, twenty pence ; and in hke manner to the prioress of 
Stratford, and to every nun there, twenty pence. Also I 
give and bequeath to every house of the four orders of Friars 

k See p. 61. 1 See p. 63. m See p. 64. 



139 

Mendicant and Friars of the Holy Cross in London, thirteen 
shilhngs and fourpence ; and to every brother, a priest of 
the same houses, three pence to pray for my soul. Also I 
bequeath to every poor lay brother and sister of the hospital 
of St. Mary within Cripplegate ; and also to every poor sis- 
ter in the hospitals of St. Mary without Bishopsgate, St. 
Bartholomew in Smithfield, St. Katherine near the Tower, 
and St. Thomas in Southwark, twelve pence. Also I give 
and bequeath forty shillings sterhng to be disposed of, at 
the discretion of my executors, amongst the poor lepers at 
Holborn, Locks, and Hackney, and the poor madmen at 
Bethlehem. Also I bequeath one hundred shillings to be 
disposed of by turns in food or money, according to the 
discretion of my executors, amongst the poor prisoners of 
Newgate, Ludgate, the Fleet, Marshalsea, and King's Bench, 
and also in the prison of Convicts at Westminster. Also I 
give and bequeath to Master William Byngham ^, as a me- 
morial of me, that book which Master Roger Dymok made, 
" contra duodecim errores et hereses LoUardorum," and gave 
to King Richard, and which book John Wilok gave to me. 
Also I give and bequeath to Sire William Taillour, chaplain 
dwelling with me, as a memorial of me, my book " de medi- 
tationibus et orationibus Sancti Anselmi,'' beginning " Me- 
ditationes quse me consolantur," S^c, so that he may bestow 
that book after his decease upon some devout person to pray 
for our souls. Also I give and bequeath to Sir David Fyvian, 
rector of the church of St. Benet Fink, as a memorial to 
think of my soul, that book " Biblise abbreviatse,"^ with the 
" Historise provinciarum" at the end, which John Sudbury 

n See p. 66. 



140 

gave to me. And moreover I give and bequeath to the same 
Sir David five marks sterling to undertake the execution of 
my present will. Also I bequeath to William Chedworth 
that Httle book of mine called '* Prosperus de vita con- 
templativa," with other things in the same, and five marks 
sterhng to undertake the like execution of this my will. 
Also I bequeath to Robert Langford, late my clerk, as a me- 
morial of me, that book of mine called " Speculum morale 
regium," made for a sometime king of France ; and to John 
Crouton, late my clerk, as a like memorial of me, my little 
book containing "Alanus de planctu," with other notable 
things ; and to Richard Mordan o, late my clerk, in like 
manner thirteen shillings and fourpence, and my other httle 
book containing " Alanus de Anticlaudiano," and other 
notable things. Also I bequeath to John Brown, late my 
clerk, as a like memorial of me, aU my book in French which 
belonged to Sir Thomas Pykworth chivaler, containing in 
the beginning the ten commandments, the twelve articles of 
faith, the seven theological virtues, and other things, and at 
the end " Dispositio et regimen bellorum duorum et acierum 
guerrarum." Also I bequeath in hke manner to Richard 
De Lafeld, late my clerk, aU that paper book containing 
" Philobiblon Ricardi Dunelmensis," " Quidam de vetula," 
" Alanus de planctu," and " Tractatus dictaminis." Also 
in hke manner I give and bequeath to Richard Lovell, late 
my clerk, the httle book " De corpore poUecie," in French. 
Also I give and bequeath in like manner to Robert Blount, 
late my clerk, my httle book " de Parabohs Solamonis," 
" Ecclesiasticus," '^ Seneca ad Calhonem," " De remediis 

o See note Q^) on page 98. 



141 

utriusque fortunse," and " De quatuor virtutibus cardinali- 
bus/* together with " Sententise diversorum propbetarmn," 
translated from Greek into Latin by Master Peter de Al- 
phense, and " Liber de regimine dominorum/' otherwise 
called " Secretmn secretorum Aristotehs." Also I will that 
the same Robert may have for the whole of his life, if he 
will, the use of aU my little books or quartos of the modes 
of entry and engrossing of the acts and records as well ac- 
cording to the common law of the realm as the custom of 
the city of London, so that, after the decease of the same 
Robert, they may remain to the chamber of the Guildhall of 
London, for the information of the clerks there. Also I be- 
queath to Nicholas Mason and John Elys P, my clerks, five 
marks sterling, to be shared equally between them, and so 
many of my httle books or quartos " de deyotionibus, mo- 
ralitatibus, et dictaminibus" as shall seem fit to be done by 
the discretion of my executors. Also I bequeath to Agnes 
Page my old servant, over and above her salary, forty shil- 
lings sterhng. Also I bequeath to Margaret Elys, for her 
advancement when she shall come to full age or be married, 
five marks. And to little Christopher in like manner, who 
has been with me from his cradle, when he shall come to 
full age, if he be then of good disposition, five marks for 
his advancement. Also to John Reynold, twenty shillings. 
Also I give and bequeath to John Policy thirteen shillings 
and fourpence sterhng, and one of my gowns at the choice 
of my wife. Also I bequeath to John Colop twenty shillings 
sterhng ; also to Agnes Vertesance q ten shillings ; and to 
Joan Gerard ten shiUings ; and to Robert Umfrey twenty 

P See note (m), page 99. q See note («), page 100. 



142 

shillings, over and above the annuity which I have assigned 
him in aid of his sustenance whilst he lives, as appears in 
the other will made of my lands and tenements. Also I will 
and ordain that my wife out of my goods shall support and 
maintain the poor and impotent Richard Gray, so long as 
he is willing to stay with her ; but otherwise, that the same 
Richard shall have out of my goods in aid of his sustenance 
whilst he hves, by the hands of my said wife, sixpence every 
week, or that annuity which, in my other will made of my 
lands and tenements, I have assigned to him for term of 
liis life, at the choice of my aforesaid wife. And the residue 
of all my goods and chattels not bequeathed in my present 
will, after payment of my debts if any there be, I give and 
bequeath to my executors within written, to dispose of them 
in works of piety and mercy, as they may think most pleas- 



r This clause is very curious and deserves particular notice. It furnishes 
another instance (in addition to those mentioned on pages 37 and 49) of 
Carpenter's opposition to the illegal encroachments of ecclesiastical autho- 
rities, although it at the same time shows how difficult it was to avoid 
succumbing to those abuses. The powers claimed by the clergy in matters 
relating to wills were frequent subjects of contention in the middle ages. 
They not only contrived to contravene the jurisdiction of the secular courts 
in testamentary affairs, but, on the pretence of having jurisdiction in all 
matters which concerned the regimen of souls, assumed to interfere in the 
most serious manner with the power of testators to dispose of their pro- 
perty. The ecclesiastical registry came to be considered as a tribunal to 
judge of the propriety of the dispositions and expressions of the will of the 
deceased, which, if not found agreeable to the clergy, they scrupled not to 
alter or abrogate. Hence testators sometimes inserted prayers to the pope 
or the church to maintain their wills. The canon law annexing to the 
episcopal office the power of seeing to the execution of legacies given to 
pious uses, parties were cited to appear before the bishop's court to produce 
the will, which was subjected to the bishop's approval and interpretation, 
in which ample scope was afforded for self-interest to exercise its influence. 



143 

ing to God and profitable to the salvation of my sonl, with- 
out making any inventory of such my goods and chattels 
to any ordinary ; and, that the lord ordinary to whom the 
insinuation and proof of my present will shall belong shall 
not molest nor challenge my same executors for the like 
inventory, as he neither ought nor is bound to do, especially 
as the last wiUs of the deceased are to be observed most 
carefully, I give and bequeath to the same lord ordinary 
twenty shillings sterling ^. Provided always, that if any good 
or rare books shall be found amongst the said residue of 
my goods, which, by the discretion of the aforesaid Master 
William Lichfeld and Reginald Pecok, may seem necessary 
to the common library at Guildhall, for the profit of the 
students there, and those discoursing to the common people, 
then I will and bequeath that those books be placed by my 



The state of open corruption and violence of the ordinaries in the reign of 
Edward III. is evident from certain constitutions made by Archbishop 
Stratford in 1342. The preamble of one of them recites that ecclesiastical 
judges would not permit the executors of deceased persons to dispose of 
their goods according to the directions of their testators, and the sanction 
both of the law and the canons ; that they took to themselves the move- 
ables of testators and of intestates (which, after payment of debts, should 
be applied to pious uses) : and it ordained that bishops and other eccle- 
siastical judges should not intermeddle in effects of testators, except so far 
as the law permitted, under any pretence whatever, but should freely per- 
mit the executors to dispose of them. It seems that it was against some 
similar abuse and violation of law that Carpenter was desirous of recording 
his protest, although it is evident how mistrustful he was of the respect 
that would be paid to it, by his leaving to the ordinary a considerable 
legacy expressly to obviate his interference with the intentions of his will. — 
See an " Inquiry into the origin, the progress, the actual state, and the 
attempted reformation of our testamentary jurisdictions, ecclesiastical and 
lay," by Samuel Gale, esq., of Lincoln's inn, appended to the Fourth Re- 
port of the commissioners on the law of real property, 1833. 



144 

executors and chained in that library, under such form that 
the visitors and students thereof may be the sooner admo- 
nished to pray for my soul. And I do make, appoint, and 
ordain to be my executors of this my will my said wife, 
David Fyvian, and WilHam Chedworth ; Master John Car- 
pynter and my aforesaid brothers to be their supervisors 
and coadjutors. In testimony of all and singular which 
things to this my present will I have set my seal. Dated 
at London, on the eighth day of March in the year of our 
Lord one thousand four hundred and forty-one, and in the 
twentieth year of the reign of King Henry the Sixth after 
the Conquest. 

This present will was proved before us A. P. 
commissaries, S^c, on the twelfth day of May, 
in the year of our Lord, S^c, forty-two, and 
administration, 8^c., was committed to the exe- 
cutors named therein. 



145 



III. 

WILL (No. 1) OF KATHERINE CARPENTER, 
WIFE OF JOHN CARPENTER. 

From the Registry of the Commissary Court of London. 



Ann'o Dni Mill^o CCCC«io Ivijmo. 

In Dei nomine, Amen. The vij*^ day of the moneth of 
February, the yere of our Lord Mcccclvjt^, and the yere of 
the regne of Kyng Harry the VI*l^ after the conquest of 
England xxxv*^, I Kateryn Carpynter of London, widow, 
beyng in my gode and hole mynde, blessed be God, make 
and ordeyne thus my present testament and last will in the 
manner and fourme ensuyng. First, I recomende my soule 
to Almyghti God my makar and my savyoure, to oure Lady 
his blessid moder, and' to all the holy company of hevyn ; 
and my body to be buried in the chirche of Seynt Petre in 
Cornhull, before the quere doore there, where John Car- 
pynter my late husbande heth. Also I woll that, at the tyme 
of myne exequies and buryeng, that there be ij tapres, oone 
at the hede an other at the fete, and no mo, with iiij torches, 
of the which, after myne exequyes, I bequethe ij of theyme 
to the said chirch of Seynt Petre and the other ij to the 
chirch of Seynt Mighell in Basyngeshawe. Also I bequethe 
to every of the iiij ordres of freres, vj^ viij^. Also I bequethe 
to every recluse and ankresse abowte London, iij^ iiijd. Also 
I bequethe to Agneys Vertsanz, ancrese of Seynt Mighells 

L 



146 

at Seynt Albons, vjs viij^. Also to tlie ancresse of Seynt 
Peters at Seynt Albons, iijs iiij^. Also I bequethe to the 
Charterliouse of London, vj^ viij<l. Also to the Charterhouse 
of Shene, vj^ viij'^. Also I bequethe to the parson of Seynt 
Petre in Cornhull my somer hallyng of taptestry-worke ^. 
Also I bequethe to S^ William Taillour^, xiijs iiijd. Also I 
bequethe to Dame Elenore my best cloke ; and to John 
Elys c my best cloke next after. Also I bequethe to Master 
Adam ^ which syngith in the said chirch of Seynt Petre for 
my husband and me, my htle chasid pece with the covertHl 
of sylver and overgilt. Also I bequethe to Kateryn dourter 
of Robart Carpynter^ and wifF of Piers Hulk, my best 
towell. Also I bequethe to Elyne, some tyme my serviit, 
and now wiff to a fishmonger of Olde Fishstrete, my next 
best toweU. Also I bequethe to Reynolde ^ my cousyn, and 
to his brother, my ij masars S which I use dayly. Also I 

a Halls and other chambers at this time frequently had their walls hung 
with tapestry, which was suspended with hooks, and taken down, and 
carried with the owner on a change of residence {Arcliceological Journal^ 
June 1845, p. 172). According to Stow {Survey^ p. 275), Nicholas Alvvyn, 
grocer, mayor in 1499, left by will 73Z. Qs. 8d. for a hanging of tapestry 
to serve for principal days in the Guildhall ; but the historian adds, " how 
" this gift was performed I have not heard." 

^ Mentioned in her husband's v/ill as chaplain dwelling with him. — 
See page 139. 

c One of the clerks of her husband, to whom he left a legacy (see 
page 141). He is again mentioned in this will ; and in her second will is 
appointed to collect certain rents devised by her. 

d Mentioned in her second wiU as " Adam Gerard, chaplain." 

e Mentioned in John Carpenter's will, as having lived with him from 
her youth.' — See page 137. 

f John Reynold also received a legacy imder her husband's will. — 
See page 141. 

g Mazer, a broad standing cup or drinking-bowl. — Bailey's Dictionary. 



147 

bequethe to tlie said Reynold a cilour testour^, with the 
hangyng of blu bokeram, which is in the chamber in the 
gardyn, with my best fetherbed. Also to his brother an 
other fetherbed. Also I bequethe to the said Reynold a co- 
verlet, and a testour of tapstery work with a white bordour 
powdrid with the name of JHS and roses i. Also I bequethe 
to the said Reynold, and to his brother, my pewter vessels 
dayly usid in my kechyn, evenly to be departed betwene 
hem bothe. Also I bequethe to the said Reynold a peyre 
of blanketts, and a chest stondyng at the bedis fete with 
a dowble bottom. Also to his brother a litill chest of vir. 
Also I woll there be do a masse and a dirige ^ for me in the 
day of my sepulture, at the colage of Richard Whityngton, 
at which dirige the master shall have viij^, and every felow 



^ The canopy or covering at tlie head of a bed. A contemporary manu- 
script in the public library at Cambridge has a description of the interior 
of a chamber in a castle, which contains the following lines : 
" Hur bed was of aszure, 
With tester and celure [canopy], 
With a bryi't bordure 

Compassyd ful clone. 
* * * * 

There was at hur testere 

The kynges owne banere. 

Was nevere bede rychere 

Of empryce ne qwene." 

ArcfuBological Journal^ Sept. 1844, p. 244. 

i This description of a somewhat rich bed-head may be illustrated by 

the following lines from Drayton's Poly-olhion, s. 26 : 

" Who, led from room to room, amazed is to see 

The furnitures and states, which all imbroideries be. 

The rich and sumptuous beds, with tester-covering plumes ; 

And various as the sutes, so various the perfumes," 

k The " Dirige" formed part of the office for the dead. 

l2 



148 

■vj<i, every conductor iiijd every clerk iiijd and every cho- 
rister ijd. Also to the tutor of the Almouse howse vj^, and 
to every poore man and woman of the Ahcnouse house m]^, 
to be at my dirige. Also I bequethe to Letuse my serviit a 
peyre of shets, and a coveryng that heth on her owne bed. 
Also I bequethe to Rob*, clerk of Bassyngshawe, whom I 
make myne executor l, a rose pece of silver, chasid. Also 
Richard Joly, an other rose pece to be myne executo'', which 
pece is of silver, and chasid. Also I bequethe to Ric. Mor- 
don, to be over sear of my testament ^, a rose pece of silver, 
and chasid. Also I bequethe to John Elys, my serviit, a 
rose pece of silver with a covertle of the same, chasid ; also 
myne hangyng branche of laton ^ that hangeth in my hall ; 
also my htill morter of brasse with the pestell of iren. And 
the residew of all my silver vessells, and of all my other 
goods, I wolde they be solde be myne executors and geven 
in almesse to pore peple for my sowle, prayeng theyme, and 
as fer as I may chargyng theyme, godely to do for my sowle 
as they wolde be do to. Furthermore, where as there be 
xl^ expressid in my former testament o, of qwite rentz, and 
of the pencon of the Gildehall, which I have ordeigned by 



1 Described in her second will as Robert Welwyk. 

^ Mordan was a clerk to ber busband, who left him one of his books 
(see his Will page 140). She also appointed him an executor of her second 
will, in conjunction with Welwyk and Joly. 

n Latten, a hard mixed metal, closely resembling brass. — Archceological 
Journal^ June 1844, p. 154 ; September 1844, p. 210. 

o This " former testament" was in all probability revoked and another 
substituted for it ; as one applicable to the same description of property, 
and for effecting similar purposes, was made subsequent to the date of this 
wUL In it the bequest in favour of John Elys is repeated in more specific 
terms. It will be found in Appendix No. IV. 



149 

the said testament to be disposid by thadvice of myne 
executours and other to the sustentacon and fyndyng of 
a prest and other thyngs to be doon for my master John 
Carpynter sowle and myne in the said chirch of Seynt Peter 
in Cornhull, and in the chirch and colage of Ric. Wliityng- 
don, and in the chirch of Seynt Martyns Otwiche, I woll 
that be the suffraunce of y^ parson of Seynt Peter in Corn- 
hull and chirchwardons for the tyme beyng, John Elys of 
longe tyme my serviit have the office to receyve xx marcs 
of the said Gddehall to me due for terme of yeris, and to 
recej^e the quyte rentz expressid in my former testament, 
and to delyver thayme and every parceU of theyme to the 
seid parson and chirch wardons for the tyme beyng, accor- 
ding to my seid testament of qwite rentz. Provided, for the 
xls which of the xx marcs I have ordeigned to be disposid by 
the said parson and chirch wardons for the tyme beyng to 
the said chirch works and other thyngs, I woll be theire 
suifi'aunce that the said John Elys have xxvj^ for his la- 
boure and viij<l as longe as he dothe weU thereyn. And the 
xiijs iiijd residue of the said xl^ I woll the chirch wardons 
have it for her laboure of the other charge of my said tes- 
tament. Yeven at London, the day and yere abovesaide. 

Also I bequethe the same John Elys my htill cloth with 
an image of our Lady and Seynt John Baptist over the 
chamber doreP. 



P Tliis " litill clotli" was probably a piece of embroidery. In the Archaso- 
logical Journal for January 1845, is a paper by the Rev. C. H. Hartshome, 
on " English mediaeval embroidery," which shows the various uses to which 
that art was applied ; and it is somewhat singular that, amongst other in- 
stances, he quotes one of an ornament, made by royal command, very similar 
to that above alluded to. In 35 Hen. III., 1252, " Edward of Westmin- 



150 

" ster is commanded to order a banner to be made of white silk, and in 
" the centre of it there is to be a representation of the crucifixion, with 
" the effigies of the blessed Mary and St. John, embroidered in orfrais, 
" and on the top a star, and a new crescent moon" (Hardy's Introduction 
to the Close Rolls, p. 46). Mr. Hartshorne says such modes of ornamenting 
chambers are frequently alluded to in early wills. 



151 



IV. 

WILL (No. 2) OF KATHERINE CARPENTER. 

From the Rolls of the Court of Hustings, London a. 



(translation b.) 

Comnion Pleas holden in the Hustings of London, on 
the Monday next after the feast of St. Petronilla Vir- 
gin [May 31st], in the thirty-sixth year of the reign 
of King Henry the Sixth after the Conquest [1458], 
The testament of Katerine Carpenter, late of London, 
widow, rehet of John Carpenter. 

On the said day and year came hither Robert Welwyk, 
one of the executors of Katerine Carpenter, late of London, 
widow, and made proof of the testament of the same Kate- 
rine, as regards the articles touching lay fee, by John Py- 
pond and John Elys, citizens of London, witnesses sworn 
and dihgently examined ; who say upon their oath that they 
were present when the same Katerine made her testament 
in the manner following : 



a On the 28th April, 1458, an order was made hy the lord mayor and 
aldermen, fixing 3^. as the fine to he paid to the chamber for the inrolment 
of this will, hy reason of divers quit-rents bequeathed in mortmain. 

b My acknowledgements are due to the Rev. Joseph Harris, M.A., one 
of the masters of the City of London School, for his friendly assistance in 
making this translation. 



152 

In the name of God, Amen. On Wednesday the last 
day of the month of March, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand four hundred and fifty-seven, and in the thirty- 
fifth year of the reign of Henry the Sixth after the Con- 
quest, I Katerine Carpenter, widow, citizen of London, rehct 
of John Carpenter junior, formerly common clerk of the 
said city, reflecting with careful meditation how short and 
transitory are the days of man, and how many are suddenly 
involved in calamities, while therefore I am sound in mind 
and memory I conclude, make, and ordain my present testa- 
ment, containing my last will <^, as regards the disposal of 
certain quit-rents of mine below mentioned, issuing from 
certain lands and tenements within the city of London, in 
the following manner. 

Imprimis : I give and commend my soul to Almighty God 
my creator and redeemer, and to his mother the blessed 
Virgin Mary, and to all his saints ; and my body to be bu- 
ried as I have fully declared in another testament of mine 
concerning my moveable goods previously made. 

Item : I give and bequeath to Hugo Damelet d, rector of 
the parish church of St. Peter in Cornhill, London, and to 
the wardens of the works and ornaments of the same church 
and to all the parishioners of that church, those thirty 
and three shiUings annual free and quit rent, which I have 

c This will seems to have been made to take the place of one of earlier 
date.— See page 148 («). 

d Damelet was rector from 1447' to 1476. — Newcourt's Repertorium^ 
vol. i. p. 525. 

e A large building in Guildhall yard (adjoining the south side of Guild- 
hall chapel), which was purchased by the city of Thomas Bakwell, in the 
reign of Richard the Second, and converted into a market for woollen 
cloths. It was rebuilt in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and again after 



153 

yearly issuing from a certain tenement of the mayor and 
commonalty of the city of London, called BakwelhaUe^, 
with the appurtenances, situate in the parish of St. Michael 
in Bassyeshawe, London, and from houses, lands, and tene- 
ments of the said mayor and commonalty, with their appur- 
tenances, situate in the parishes of St. Peter on CornhiU 
aforesaid and of St. Botolph near Billyngesgate, London, 
and which I the said Katerine lately held jointly with Wil- 
liam Chedworth and Robert Langford ^ (who released to me 
aU their right, interest, and claim therein by their writing 
dated the twenty-first day of the month of April, in the 
twenty-seventh year of the reign of King Henry the Sixth 
after the Conquest), by the gift, grant, and confirmation of 
John Gedney late mayor, and of the commonalty of the 
city of London E : to have, levy, and receive annually the 
aforesaid thirty and three shiHings annual free and quit 
rent at the four principal divisions of the year in equal 
portions, together with the power of distraining for the same 
rent as often as it may be in arrear unpaid, to the aforesaid 
rector, wardens, and parishioners and their successors for 
ever, under the form and conditions following ; to wit, that 
the said rector and wardens and parishioners and their suc- 
cessors keep and observe, or cause to be kept and observed, 
in the said church of theirs every year for ever, on the 

the fire of 1666. In 1820-21 it was pulled down, witli the chapel, in order 
to provide a site for the new courts of justice, <^c. — Brayley's Londiniama^ 
vol. i. p. 114. 

f Chedworth was one of her husband's executors, and Langford one of 
his clerks. 

g The grant here referred to seems to have been the consideration she 
received for the property she parted with in 1448 to the city, as men- 
tioned on page 106. 



154 

twelfth day of the month of May if no lawful impediment 
prevent, or within two days next preceding or following that 
day, whichever may be better or more convenient, solemnly, 
devoutly, and separately, one anniversary by note for the 
soul of the said John Carpenter my late husband, and for 
my soul, and for the souls of aU the faithful departed, in 
the form following, to wit : a certain honest cloth being first 
placed on the preceding evening before the door of the 
chancel or choir of the same church, beyond the tomb where 
the body of the said John my late husband resteth buried, 
with one suitable wax candle at the head and another at 
the feet of the same tomb burning, let the rector of the said 
church, or his locum tenens, and all the chaplains and clerks 
of the same church, devoutly and distinctly chant and sing 
a Placebo and Dirige \ with lauds, and with the full service 
for the dead used and accustomed on anniversaries of this 
kind ; and on the morrow let them celebrate in the same 
place one high mass of Requiem, by turns, by note reverently 
and devoutly ; and let two of their chaplains separately cele- 
brate two masses without note, with the special collects and 
commemorations in the canons of their masses to be made 
for the aforesaid souls ; and let each of the said wardens at 
the said high mass offer to God, for the aforesaid souls, one 
penny; but these exequies being finished, let the said rector 
or his locum tenens, the chaplains and clerks, meet round 
the said tomb, and sing this response," Libera me Domine," 

li The phrase " with dirige and placebo" often occurs in the details of 
funeral ceremonies. The Dirige, part of the 5th psalm, was borrowed from 
the first noctnrn in the matins of the office for the dead. Placebo was taken 
from the anthem " Placebo Domino," ^c, with which the vespers for the 
dead open. — Fosbroke's EncyclopcBdia of Antiquities^ vol. ii. p. 814. 



155 

with others used for the dead in such cases, and then let 
them say the psalm " De profundis," with the appropriate 
versicles and prayers for the souls aforesaid ; and let them 
also strike the beU of the same church during the time of 
the aforesaid exequies, as the custom is in other anniversa- 
ries of this kind, that the devotions of those who hear that 
striking may be more especially and more devoutly excited 
to pray to God for the souls commemorated. And further, 
that the same rector and wardens of the aforesaid church 
of St. Peter for the time being do choose and cause to come 
thirteen of the more virtuous poor of either sex, namely, 
seven of the parish of St. Peter aforesaid, and six of the 
parish of St. Martin Oteswich, London, to be present at the 
said exequies throughout, and specially to pray for the 
aforesaid souls ; provided always, that no common beggar, 
nor any other who may have had daily food from any fra- 
ternity or mistery of London or elsewhere, be nominated, 
chosen, or be of the number of these thirteen poor. And 
immediately on the complete finishing of this anniversary, 
that the rector and wardens divide and distribute each year 
sixteen shiUings from the said thirty and three shillings 
rent, in form following ; namely, that they pay and distri- 
bute to each of the chaplains of the said church of St. Peter 
for the time being, for their labour and dihgence shown in 
the premises, fourpence ; and to each of the parish clerks 
of the same for the time being, officiating on the said anni- 
versary, fourpence ; and to the same parish clerks between 
them, for the striking of the said bell, two shillings ; and 
to each of the said thirteen poor present and praying at the 
said exequies, threepence ; and for the wax appointed and 
used on the same anniversary, two shillings; also to the 



156 

said rector, if he shall have been present at the aforesaid 
exequies, twenty pence, and if he shall have been absent 
only ten pence ; and that they receive and retain twenty-one 
pence for each of the said wardens, for their labours and 
dihgence in the collection of the said rent, and the keeping 
of the said anniversary, and for their offering aforesaid ; and 
that they honestly and faithfully lay out and distribute the 
remainder of the same sixteen shillings, if any thing shall 
remain, among the more virtuous poor parishioners of the 
said church of St. Peter. And further, that the said rector 
and wardens and parishioners receive, have, and retain for 
themselves and their successors every year for ever seven- 
teen shillings remaining rent out of the said thirty and three 
shilhngs, for the support of the beam-light and other lights 
of the same church, on condition that no poor parishioner 
or servant of the said parish of St. Peter, at the holy paschal 
season or at any other time whatever, at the Lord's table, 
shall be kept back \_arceatur], or any way compelled to pay 
for any paschal hght \ commonly called candel silver, about 
the same paschal season, in the aforesaid church of St. Peter 
ordered or to be ordered. And if it should happen that the 
aforesaid anniversary, or the said payment or distribution 
of sixteen shillings to be made in the form aforesaid, should 
cease in any year after my decease, or be neghgently or 
remissly withdrawn, delayed, or not take place, or that any 
of the poor or servants of the aforesaid parish of St. Peter, 

i An enormously thick wax candle, wliicli was lighted on the morning 
of Easter-day, the wax itself being curiously adorned with grains of in- 
cense, and inscribed with the epact, dominical letter, <^c. ; also the names 
of the reigning pope, king, and bishop of the diocese, and the date of the 
consecration of the church.' — Hart's Ecclesiastical Records, ^c, p. 240. 



157 

in the same holy paschal season or at any other time what- 
ever, at the Lord's table, are kept back, forced, or compelled 
to pay for any light before mentioned, in the said church 
at the same paschal season to be ordered or provided, then 
I will and ordain that the fee simple and possession of 
the same rector, wardens, and parishioners of the afore- 
said church of St. Peter, and their successors, of and in 
the aforesaid thirty and three shillings rent, shall altogether 
finally cease and determine, and be null and void. Nay, 
from thence accordingly I now give and will by this my 
present testament the aforesaid thirty and three shillings 
rent to the rector of the church of St. Martin Oteswich, 
London, the wardens, and the parishioners of the same 
church for the time being, to have, levy, and receive annu- 
ally for themselves and their successors for ever, together 
with the power of distraining for the same annual rent as 
often as it shall be in arrear unpaid after any feast on which 
it ought to be paid ; on condition that they each year on the 
day aforesaid, or within two days next preceding or follow- 
ing the same day, keep and observe with six chaplains and 
the parish clerk of the same church of St. Martin for the 
time being, if there shaU be so many stipendiary chaplains 
in that church, or with other fit chaplains in the place of 
those chaplains, failing either all or any of them of the 
same church of St. Martin (to be elected for all future times 
by the same rector and wardens of the same church of St. 
Martin who for the time shall be), the anniversary for the 
aforesaid souls in the same church of St. Martin, by note ; 
also make and execute the payments to the chaplains and 
clerk observing the same anniversary, and the distributions 
among the poor, and aU and singular the other things in 



158 

their said chiu'ch of St. Martin ; and that the same rector 
and wardens of the same church of St. Martin for the time 
being receive and take for their labour and pains in a simi- 
lar manner and form as the aforesaid rector, wardens, and 
parishioners of the aforesaid chm'ch of St. Peter in the same 
church of St. Peter ought to make, execute, receive, and 
take as beforesaid. 

Item : I give and bequeath to Master John Breux, rector 
of the aforesaid church of St. Martin Oteswich'^, and to 
the wardens of the works and ornaments and the parishio- 
ners of the same church, thirteen shillings and fourpence, 
a third of an annual free and quit rent which I have annu- 
ally issuing from a corner tenement, late of Robert Ramsey, 
esquire, situate on Oyster hill in the parish of St. Magnus 
near London bridge l, and which I lately had by the gift, 
grant, and confirmation of David Fyvian, clerk, William 
Chedworth, and Robert Langford, citizens of London, as by 
their writing, which is dated on the twenty-fii'st day of the 
month of April, in the twenty-seventh year of the reign of 
King Henry the Sixth after the conquest of England, there- 
upon to me made, fully appears ^: to have, levy, and receive 
annually the aforesaid thirteen shillings and fourpence rent, 
at the times when payment becomes due, together with the 

k Rector from 1451 to 1459. — Newcourt's Repertorium, vol. i. p. 419. 

1 " Then is there a water-gate at tte bridge-foote called Oyster gate, 
" of oysters that were there of old time commonly to be sold, and was the 
" chiefest market for them, and for other shell-fishes." — Stow's Survey^ 
p. 33. The tenement here spoken of seems to be identical with part of 
the property left to the city by John Carpenter. 

m It is to be found on the rolls of the Court of Hustings, 28 Hen. VI. 
A previous conveyance of the same quit-rent (with others) is to be found 
on the Hustings roll, 3 Hen. VI. No. 153, memb, 10. 



159 

power of distraining for the same rent as often as it shall 
be in arrear unpaid, to the aforesaid now rector, wardens, 
and parishioners of the said church of St. Martin and their 
successors for ever, under the form and conditions follow- 
ing ; namely, that the same rector, wardens, and parishio- 
ners, and their successors, keep and observe or cause to be 
kept and observed, in their said church of St. Martin each 
year for ever, an anniversary for the soul of the said John 
late my husband, and for my soul, and the souls of Richard 
the father, of Christina the mother, and of aU. the brothers, 
sisters, and relations of the said John late my husband, 
buried in the said church of St. Martin, and of aU the faith- 
ful departed, on the festival or on the day of the saints 
Cosmas and Damian ^, if then an anniversary of this kind, 
there being no legitimate impediment, can conveniently take 
place, otherwise on the nearest day to that festival preceding 
or following, as may be better and more convenient. 

[Then foUow particular directions as to the manner of 
observing the anniversary and the payments to be made, 
which are similar to those in the case of the anniversary 
to be observed at St. Peter's, Cornhillo, except that no 
payment is directed to be made for the beam-light. In 
case of neglect or omission the bequest was to go to St. 
Peter's, Cornhill, on the same conditions.] 



n September 27tli. 

o That these observances and payments were continued down to the 
time of the Reformation seems probable from the following extract (given 
in Malcolm's Lond. Rediv., vol. iv. p. 409) from the churchwarden's books 
of St. Martin Outwich, under date 1527 : 

" Item, monay rescayed for the obitt of Mr, Gierke, xijd; and 
" for the obit oi John Carpenter, xx^; amount - - - ijs viijd" 



160 

Item : I give and bequeath to Thomas Eytburhale P, mas- 
ter of the college of St. Michael in Riola, London, and his 
fellows, chaplains of the same college, those ten and seven 
shillings annual free and quit rents which I have annually 
issuing from all .that tenement with the appurtenances there- 
of, which formerly was of Amicia Clevehond, then of John 
Clevehond, and afterwards of Thomas KnoUes, John Storm- 
worth, Henry Barton, William Cauntbrigge, John Brokle, 
and others, and afterwards of Robert Otteley, WiUiam Sym- 
mes, Thomas Catworth, and Robert Cawood, situate in the 
ward of Tower, in the parish of All Saints Berkyngchirch, 
London, to wit, between the tenement which was lately of 
the said John late my husband, previously of William Neel, 
on the east part, and a certain tenement of John Maykin 
on the west part, and the king's way on the north part, 
which ten and seven shillings rents I the said Katherine 
lately held by the gift, grant, and confirmation of the afore- 
said David Fyvian, William Chedworth, and Robert Lang- 
ford, according as by their aforesaid writing, dated the said 
twenty-first day of the month of April, in the twenty-seventh 
year of the reign of King Henry the Sixth aforesaid, above 
mentioned, plainly appears <l : to have, levy, and yearly to 
receive the aforesaid ten and seven shillings rents to the 
aforesaid master and his fellows, chaplains of the aforesaid 
college, and their successors, at the terms at which they 
shall become due, together with the power of distraining for 

P Master from 1444 to 1464 (Newcourt's Repertorium, vol. i. p. 493). 
He was an Oxford doctor, and was one of those " famous preachers" who 
(as mentioned on page 64) exposed the evil courses of the privy council. 

q These quit-rents were also included in the previous conveyance, re- 
ferred to in the note (m) on page 158. 



161 

the same rents as often as they shaU be in arrear after any 
term on which they ought to be paid, under the form and con- 
dition following ; to wit, that the same master and feUows, 
chaplains, and their successors, in every future year, on the 
thirteenth day of the month of June if conveniently may 
be, otherwise on the day next preceding or following, do 
keep in the church of St. Michael aforesaid an anniversary 
for the soul of the said John late my husband, and for my 
soul, and for the souls of Master John White and William 
Grove, late nominated coexecutors with the said John late 
my husband in the testament of Richard Whityngton, and 
for the souls of all the faithful departed, and in the form 
following, to wit : 

[Then follow specific directions similar to those with 
regard to the lastmentioned bequest. In case of neglect 
or default this bequest was to go to the rector, 8^c., of 
St. Michael Bassishaw, on similar conditions.] 
Item : I give and bequeath to the aforesaid Hugh, now 
rector of the aforesaid church of St. Peter on Cornhill, the 
wardens, and parishioners of the same church, all that an- 
nual rent of twenty marks, which I have to myself my exe- 
cutors and assigns for a term of years, of the grant of the 
mayor and commonalty of the city of London, at the four 
principal terms of the year, namely, the feast of St. Michael 
the Archangel, the Nativity of our Lord, Easter, and the 
Nativity of St. John the Baptist, by equal portions, by the 
hands of the chamberlain of the said city for the time being, 
from the issues, toUs, and rents of a certain tenement called 
Bakwellhalle, situate in the aforesaid parish of St. Michael 
in Bassishaw, and aU the lands and tenements of the said 
mayor and commonalty in the parishes of St. Peter on Corn- 



162 

hill and St. Botolph near Billingsgate, London ^ : to have, 
levy, and receive annually, during the whole term I shall 
have it thence issuing, the aforesaid annual rent of twenty 
marks at the said four terms of the year in equal portions, 
together with the power of distraining for the same annual 
rent as often as it shall be in arrear unpaid, to the aforesaid 
rector, wardens, and parishioners of the said church of St. 
Peter and their successors, under the following conditions ; 
namely, that the same rector, wardens, and parishioners 
and their successors, during the same term, do procure 
Adam Gerard, chaplain «, to celebrate divine offices con- 
tinually in the accustomed manner for the soul of the said 
John late my husband, and for my soul, and the souls of 
our parents, friends, and benefactors, and of all the faith- 
ful departed, that is to say, a mass in the said church of 
St. Peter daily, between the sixth and seventh hour, if he 
shall be so disposed, but otherwise at any other hour, ac- 
cording to his pleasure. And I will that the said Adam 
shall in each day, ordinary as well as festival, be present at 
aU the canonical hours and divine offices in the same church 
to sing, and at the antiphon of the blessed Mary on each 
festival day, and officiate and serve as is becoming at the 
said obsequies, according to his knowledge and ability, un- 
less hindered by lawful or reasonable cause. Also that they 
pay yearly during the said term to the said Adam, chaplain. 



r This additional grant from the city, of an annuity chargeable on the 
same property as that mentioned in the grant referred to on page 153, was 
probably made in 1453, when the city made a second purchase of her, as 
mentioned on page 106. 

s Her other will contains a bequest to him of a " litle chasid pece 
" with the covertill of sylver, and overgilt." — See page 146. 



163 

for his salary, eleven marks sterling ; and if the same Adam 
shall be worn out by the weakness of old age or any other 
infirmity, so as to be unable to observe the said ministra- 
tion or obsequies, then I will that he nevertheless receive 
and have during the aforesaid term the said eleven marks 
annually. Provided always, that if it should happen that 
the said Adam dies before the end of the said term, then I 
will that the said rector, wardens, and parishioners of the 
said church of St. Peter and their successors, from time to 
time during the said term, do procure one other fit chaplain 
to celebrate divine offices continually in the accustomed 
manner for the soul of the aforesaid John late my husband, 
and for my soul, and the aforesaid souls, that is to say, a 
mass in the same church of St. Peter daily whenever he 
shall be so disposed. And I will that this other chaplain 
for the time being, on each day, as well ordinary as festival, 
be present, officiate, and minister, there being no lawful 
impediment, to sing at all the canonical hours and divine 
offices in the said chm^h of St. Peter. And I vdll that the 
said rector, wardens, and parishioners, and their successors, 
pay annually during the said term to this chaplain for the 
time being, for his salary, ten marks sterling. And that they 
pay to this chaplain for the time being annually during the 
said term, if he shall be willing to celebrate his mass daily 
between the sixth and seventh hours throughout the whole 
year, there being no lawful impediment, or, the said chap- 
lain refusing thus to celebrate, to some other fit chaplain of 
the same church who shall be wilhng to celebrate in the 
usual manner his mass on each day at the aforesaid time 
throughout the whole year, thirteen shillings and fourpence 
sterling. 

M 2 



164 

Also I will, bequeath, and ordain that the said rector and 
wardens of the said church of St. Peter and their succes- 
sors, according to their discretion and conscience, do lay out 
and distribute annually during the said term, four pounds 
sterling among the poor and more virtuous parishioners of 
the churches of St. Peter and St. Martin Oteswich aforesaid, 
namely, among the poor parishioners of each of the said 
churches forty shillings ; that is to say, on the vigils of 
Easter, the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, St. Michael the 
Archangel, and the Nativity of our Lord, in equal portions. 

Further, I will that John Elys, citizen of London, who 
for a long time hath faithfully served me, during the afore- 
said term if he shall live so long among men, be the col- 
lector of all and singular the aforesaid rents ; and that the 
aforesaid rector and wardens of the said church of St. Peter, 
and their successors, do pay annually to the said John Elys, 
for all the aforesaid rents thus annually to be collected and 
for all the aforesaid donations faithfully to be rendered 
yearly out of each of his rents, twenty-six shillings and 
eightpence sterhng. 

And I will that, after the decease of the said John, the 
rector and wardens of the said church of St. Peter for the 
time being do lay out annually during the said term, for the 
repair of the said church and the ornaments of the same, 
and for the sustentation of the beam-light and other fit and 
necessary Hghts in the said church, twenty-six shillings 
and eightpence. And also that, after the decease of the 
said John, the said rector and wardens of the said church 
of St. Peter, and their successors, shall only be bound to 
levy the aforesaid annual rent of twenty marks during the 
aforesaid term, and not by any means to levy the other 



165 

aforesaid rents, nor to procure another collector to levy the 
same other rents. 

And I wiU that the wardens of the said chnrch of St. 
Peter for the time being do annually retain and have among 
themselves during the aforesaid term out of the aforesaid 
annual rent of twenty marks, for their labour and diligence 
in the procuring and paying of the said chaplain and in 
the distribution of the said four pounds, thirteen shillings 
and fourpence. 

Moreover, of this my testament I make, ordain, and con- 
stitute my executors, that is to say, Richard Mordon, Robert 
Welwyk, and Richard Joly. In testimony of which I have 
set my seal to this my present testament. Given at London, 
on the day and year aforesaid. 



166 



V. 

ACCOUNT OF 
THE BENEFACTIONS AND ENDOWMENTS 

FOR PRIZES, SCHOLARSHIPS, <fcc., 

WHICH HAVE BEEN BESTOWED ON THE CITY OP LONDON SCHOOL 
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT. 



1837. & s. d. 

By Sir James Duke, alderman, for a prize to the 

first boy in the examination in mathematics 10 10 

By John Tricker Conquest, esq. M.D. F.L.S., for 
a gold medal for general proficiency and good 
conduct (continued annually) - - 10 10 

By Sir James Shaw, hart., chamberlain of Lon- 
don, towards a fund for providing prizes to be 
given annually _ . . _ *100 

1838. 
By the Corporation of London, towards establish- 
ing an exhibition to one of the universities (the 
fine paid by Thomas Tegg, esq., to be excused 
from serving the ofiice of sheriff) - *400 

The amounts thus marked * are invested in the public funds. 



167 

By Sir Moses Montefiore, sheriff, for a prize for 

proficiency in classics - - - 10100 

1839. 
By David Williams Wire, esq., under-sheriff, for 

a prize for classical proficiency - - 10 10 

By the Rev. Dr. Giles, head-master, as a prize for 

the best map - _ - - a silver medal. 

1840. 
By Sir James Shaw, bart., chamberlain, towards 

a fand for prizes (second donation) - *100 

1841. 
By ditto, for the same purpose (third donation) *100 

1843. 
By Alexander Eogers, esq., sheriff, for a prize for 

proficiency in French and German - 10 10 

By The Times Testimonial Committee, a scholar- 
ship to the universities of Oxford and Cam- 
bridge a . - - - per annum J *30 

1843. 
By Francis Hobler, esq., the dies for a prize medal 
for mathematical proficiency, in commemora- 
tion of Colonel Mark Beaufoy, F.R.S. 



a For particulars of this scholarship see page 176. 



168 



1844. 
By Henry B. H. Beaufoy, esq. F.R.S., for the 
endowment of a mathematical scholarship to 
the university of Cambridge^, of the annual 
value of 50/. - (B per cent, consols) '^lll 11 

By Thomas Tegg, esq., in augmentation of the 
fund for establishing an exhibition to one of 
the universities - - - - *1000«. 

By Warren Stormes Hale, esq., chairman of the 

committee, for a divinity prize - - 10 10 

1845. 
By Sir Moses Montefiore, for a prize for the best 

classical scholar (second donation) - 10 10 

By Thomas Lott, esq. F.S.A., a member of the 
committee, as a prize to the best writer in the 
school (continued annually) - - a silver medal. 

By Henry B. H. Beaufoy, esq. F.R.S., for the 
endowment of a second mathematical scholar- 
ship to the university of Cambridge, of the an- 
nual value of 50/. (B per ce?it. consols) '^llll 

By ditto, for premiums for lectures " On the ad- 
vantages of a classical education c" - 52 10 

b For particulars of this scholarship see page 177. 
c Awarded to the Rev. Joseph Angus, M. A. of the university of Edin- 
burgh, and the Rev. James Pycroft, M.A. of Trinity College, Oxford. 



169 

By David Salomons, esq., late sheriff, for the en- 
dowment of a scholarship to the university of 
Oxford, Cambridge, or London, of the annual 
valueofSO/.d . (3 per cent, comols) ^16 QQ 13 4 

1846. 
By Warren Stormes Hale, esq., chairman, as a 
prize for the pupils below the two head classes, 
for proficiency in arithmetic (continued annu- 
ally) a silver medal. 

By Michael Gibbs, esq., alderman, as a prize for 
an Enghsh essay " On the influence of the art 
of printing on the rehgion, Hterature, and sci- 
ence of Great Britain" - - - 10 10 

By ditto, for prizes for punctuaHty of attendance, 

and progress in studies - - - 10100 

By the Travers Testimonial Committee, for the 
endowment of a scholarship to University Col- 
lege, or King's College, London, of the annual 
valueofSO/.e - (B per cent, con&oh) "^16 6 Q 13 4 

1847. 
By Henry B. H. Beaufoy, esq. F.R.S., a large pic- 
ture, containing portraits of the chairman, the 
head-master, the secretary, and Mr. Hobler, 
painted by the desire and at the expense of 

d See page 178. e See page 179. 



170 

Mr. Beaufoy, as the condition of his consenting 
to a portrait of himself being painted at the 
expense of the corporation f - cost 440 

By ditto, for premiums for lectures and prizes for 
essays " On the Fifth Commandment, as the 
great moral principle of love of country and 
obedience to constituted authorities g" - 150 

By James B. Bunning, esq., city architect, as a 

prize to the best classical scholar - - 10 10 

By Sir George CarroU, alderman, towards the 

fund for prizes - - - - - *5000 

1848. 
By Henry B. H. Beaufoy, esq. F.R.S., for the en- 
dowment of a third mathematical scholarship 
to the university of Cambridge, of the annual 
value of 50/. - (^ per cent, consols) *1716 13 4 

By Robert WiUiam Kennard, esq., sheriff, for 
prizes for proficiency in chemistry and natu- 
ral philosophy - - - - - 10 10 

1849. 
By Francis Bennoch, esq., a member of the com- 
mittee, as a prize for proficiency in writing, 

f The picture and portrait are botli preserved in the committee-room of 
the school. A marble bust of Mr. Beaufoy was subsequently executed by 
desire of the corporation, and placed in the council chamber at Guildhall ; 
and a duplicate of it is placed in the theatre of the school. 



171 

arithmetic, and bookkeeping (continued annu- 
ally) . - - - a gold pen, with silver holder. 

1850. 
By Henry B. H. Beaufoy, esq. F.R.S., for the en- 
dowment of a fourth mathematical scholarship 
to the university of Cambridge, of the annual 
value of 50/. - (S per cent, consols) ^lllQ 13 4 

By ditto, for a fund for annual prizes for the en- 
couragement of the study of the works of 
Shakespeare^ - (S per cent, consols) ^10 SI 1 7 

By WiUiam Knott, esq., member of the committee, 

as a prize for proficiency in drawing - a silver watch. 

1851. 
By Henry B. H. Beaufoy, esq. F.R.S., in aid of 

the first half-year's dividend on the Shake- 
speare prize fund - - - - 15 14 10 

By Michael Eaton Wilkinson, esq., formerly a 
member of the committee, as a prize for general 
industry and progress (continued annually) - 3 2 

By Donald NicoU, esq., late sheriff, as a prize for 

an essay on a commercial subject (annually) 5 5 

g The premium of eighty guineas for the lectures was awarded to the 
Rev. Henry Alford, M.A., vicar of Wymeswold, Leicestershire, and late 
fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and Hulsean lecturer. 

h For particulars of this endowment see page 183. 



172 

By Benjamin Scott, esq., as a prize for proficiency 
in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and 
the evidences of the truth of Christianity (con- 
tinued annually) - - - a Polyglot Bible. 

By Sir Chapman Marshall, alderman, for prizes 
for proficiency in chemistry and natural philo- 
sophy (continued annually to 1854) - -5 5 

By Mr. Henry Judge Hose, B.A. (a former pupil), 
as a prize for knowledge of mathematical prin- 
ciples in subjects below the differential calculus 3 3 

By the executors of John Henry Peacock, esq., 
deceased, towards the fund for prizes (a moiety 
of a legacy of 100/.) - - - - *50 

1852. 
By Mr. Henry Judge Hose, B.A., as a prize for 
the best knowledge of the text of Milton's Para- 
dise Lost (second donation) - - - 3 3 

By John Hornby, esq. (a former pupil), as a prize 

for an essay on natural and revealed religion - 3 3 

By Richard Lambert Jones, esq., and the commit- 
tee for a testimonial to him, for the endowment 
of a scholarship to the university of Oxford, 
Cambridge, or London i (3 joercew?. consols)* 735 5 6 

i For particulars of this scholarship see page 180. 



173 

1853. 
By William Hunter, esq., alderman, as prizes for 
essays " On the authenticity and genuineness 
of the Holy Scriptures" (continued annually at 
five guineas) 10 10 

By George Beaufoy, esq., in fulfilment of the in- 
tentions of his late brother Henry B. H. Beau- 
foy, esq., dec. - the dies for a Shakespeare prize medal. 

1855. 
By David Williams Wire, esq., alderman, as a 
prize for an essay " On the apphcation of 
Christianity to the ordinary duties and ohHga- 
tionsoflife" (second donation) - - 10 10 

By Rev. Dr. Jelf, principal of King's CoUege, Lon- 
don, as prizes for the best Greek and Latin 
poem, or translation into Greek and Latin verse 5 5 

By R. Hartley Kennedy, esq., alderman, as prizes 
for good behaviour and regular attendance. 

Twelve silver pen and pencil holders, with gold pens. 

By the president, treasurer, governors, and me- 
dical and surgical officers of St. Thomas's Ho- 
spital, a medical scholarship, or free presenta- 
tion to the lectures and medical and surgical 
practice of the hospital, bestowable each alter- 
nate year, and tenable for three years ^ : 

Value of each presentation from 90/. to 100 

k For particulars of this scholarship see page 182. 



174 

By the Company of Goldsmiths, an exhibition to 
the university of Oxford or Cambridge i 

per annum 50 

By Richard Nathaniel Phihpps, esq. LL.B., for 
estabhshing an annual prize for the best Latin 
composition in prose or verse - - *5310 

1856. 
By R-. Hartley Kennedy, esq., aid. and sheriff, in 
behalf of Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy of Bombay 
in the East Indies, knight, as a prize for the best 
essay " On the advantages enjoyed by England 
through the connection with India" - 21 

By Herbert Lloyd, esq., as prizes for encouraging 
the study of the EngHsh language, the cultiva- 
tion of an acquaintance with the best specimens 
of English hterature, and the attainment of 
purity of style in speaking and writing the 
language (to be continued annually) - 15 15 

1 See page 3 82. 



175 



VI. 

PARTICULARS OF THE SEVERAL 

SCHOLARSHIPS AND EXHIBITIONS 

NOW ATTACHED TO THE CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL, 



CARPENTER SCHOLARSHIPS. 

The ScholarsMps in memory of John Caepentek, the 
founder of the school, are eight in number, and are in- 
tended as rewards for proficiency and good conduct. The 
appointment to them is determined by an examination in 
classics, mathematics, divinity, history, and French, con- 
ducted by the examiners of the school. The candidates 
must be between eleyen and fifteen years of age, and have 
been at least three years in the school. 

The advantages are, a gratuitous education, and supply 
of books to a value not exceeding 2/. per annum ; an allow- 
ance of 25/. per annum towards maintenance, ^c. ; and a pre- 
mium of 50/. on leaving the school, to be apphed towards 
the scholar's advancement in life, provided he continues 
therein three years after election, and obtains a certificate of 
merit and good conduct during that period from the head 
master. If a scholar proceeds to the universities of Oxford, 
Cambridge, or London, with a view to taking a degree, 
the allowance of 25/. per annum is continued to him for a 
further period of four years. 



176 



TIMES SCHOLARSHIPS. 



The origin of The Times Scholarships is thus described 
on a marble tablet in the school ; 



This Tablet was erected 

as a perpetual memorial of the foundation of 

The Times Scholakships : 

one in connexion with the City of London School, 

the other with Christ's Hospital, 

for the benefit of pupils proceeding from those institutions 

to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. 

The endowment of these scholarships 

was effected out of the proceeds of a subscription 

entered into by 

English and foreign merchants, bankers, 

and other persons interested in the preservation of 

mercantile confidence and security, 

to testify their warm admiration, and grateful sense, 

of the moral courage, indefatigable perseverance, 

and distinguished ability shown by 

the Proprietors of the Times Newspaper, 

A.B. M.DCCC.XLL, 

in the ready detection and fearless exposure 

of a most extensive and fraudulent conspiracy, 

which, from its subtle and daring character, 

was unparalleled in the annals of commerce. 

These distinguished services 

derived an additional lustre from the 

unexampled generosity and disinterestedness 

of the Proprietors, 

in their refusal to be reimbursed any portion of the 

heavy expenses incurred in the progress of 

their noble and arduous exertions. 



The scholarship attached to this school is open to all the 
pupils. The election to it is determined in the same manner 
as the Carpenter scholarships. The income is 30/. per an- 
num, tenable for four years. The scholars are required to 
proceed to Oxford or Cambridge within three months after 
election. 



177 



BEAUFOY SCHOLARSHIPS. 

The particulars of the first Beaufoy scholarship are thus 
recorded on a marble tablet in the school : 

Henry Benjamin Hanbury Beaufoy, esquire, 

of Soutli Lambeth in the county of Surrey, 

Fellow of the Royal Society, citizen and Distiller of London, 

by deed, dated xxxth December, m.dccc.xliv., 

vested in certain trustees the sum of 

One thousand seven hundred and seventeen pounds stock 

in the Three per cent, consolidated Bank Annuities, 

for the purpose of establishing 

a Scholarship, of the value of Fifty pounds 'per annum., 

to be called 

The Beaufoy Scholaeship, 

and to be enjoyed 

by pupils of the City of London School 

proceeding thence to the university of Cambridge. 

This scholarship 

is designed to encourage the study of 

mathematical science, 

with an especial reference to its practical application 

to the use and service of mankind, 

and to be 

in furtherance of the objects proposed by the institution of 

the Beaufoy Medal, 

a prize annually given by the Committee of the school, 

in commemoration of 

the scientific attainments of the founder's father, 

the late Colonel Mark Beaufoj^ F.R.S. 

the dies for which medal were presented by 

Francis Hobler, esquire, of Walbrook, London, 

a.d, m.dccc.xliii. 

By similar benefactions in the years 1845^ 1848, and 
1850, Mr. Beaufoy established three other scholarships of 
the same description. The election to each of the four 
scholarships is made by the mathematical examiner of the 
school upon an examination on mathematical subjects only. 
The scholars are required to proceed to Cambridge within 
three months after election, and may hold the scholarships 
for four years, receiving therefrom 50/. per annum. 

N 



178 



SALOMONS SCHOLARSHIP. 

This scholarship was founded by Mr. Alderman Salomons, 
under circumstances which are commemorated by a marble 
tablet in the school, bearing the following inscription : 

David Salomons, esquire, 

citizen and Cooper of London, 

in the year m.dccc.xlv. 

vested in certain trustees the sum of 

One thousand six hundred and sixty-six pounds 

thirteen shillings and fourpence, 

Three per cent, consolidated Bank Annuities, 

for the purpose of establishing a scholarship 

to be called 

The Salomons Scholakship, 

of the Yalue of Fifty pounds per annum, 

for the benefit of 

pupils of the City of London School 

proceeding to the university 

of Oxford, of Cambridge, or of London. 

This gift 

was designed by Mr. Salomons 

to express his gratitude to his fellow-citizens 

for having, in the year m.dccc.xxxv., 

under new and peculiar circumstances, 

elected him high sheriff of London and Middlesex ; 

and to commemorate the removal 

of those civil disabilities 

which formerly attached to the Jewish subjects of this realm. 

Under the conviction that this peaceful triumph 

of the principles of religious toleration 

is to be ascribed to the progress of education, 

Mr. Salomons conceived that the best mode of perpetuating 

his grateful acknowledgements for so great a blessing 

would be by contributing to farther the cause 

which, under the guidance of 

the Almighty Disposer of events, 

has led to this great result. 

Candidates are subjected to an examination in classics, 
mathematics, divinity, history, and French. The election 
is made in the same manner as for the Times scholarship ; 
and the conditions attached are similar. 



179 



TRAVERS SCHOLARSHIP. j 

A tablet, with the following inscription, commemorates 

the estabhshment of this scholarship : ; 

The Teavees Scholaeship j 

was established in m.dccc.xlvi. i 

by tlie friends and admirers of tbe late j 

John Travers, esquire, \ 

of Saint Swithin's lane, London, \ 

as a perpetual memorial of tbe high estimation 1 

in which he was held by his fellow-citizens, | 

for his strict integrity as a merchant and otherwise, ! 

his large and benevolent views as a citizen, j 

his disinterested public services, \ 

his unostentatious charity, \ 

and his general kindness and suavity of manner. i 

The scholarship is endowed with j 

the annual produce of j 

One thousand six hundred and sixty- six pounds i 

thirteen shillings and fourpence, j 

Three per cent. Consols, j 

and is for the benefit of pupils 

proceeding from this school 

to either 

University College or King's College, London, 

in order to qualify for a degree in the 

university of London. 



The value of the scholarship is 50/. per annum, tenable 
for four years. The mode of election, (SfC?., the same as in 
the case of other scholarships. 



180 



LAMBERT JONES SCHOLARSHIP. 

The particulars of this scholarship are inscribed on a 
tablet, as follows : 

The Lambeet Jones Scholarship 

was established in M.DCcc.Ln. 

by the subscribers to a testimonial for commemorating 

the public services of 

Richard Lambert Jones, esquire, 

a member of the corporation of London, 

who, as chairman of several of its important committees, 

was conspicuous for his zealous and able exertions 

in superintending the rebuilding of 

London Bridge and the Royal Exchange, 

and in promoting various other public works 

tending to improve and adorn the city. 

The scholarship, 

which by the express desire of Mr. Jones was appropriated to this school, 

is endowed with the annual produce of 

Seven hundred and twenty-five pounds five shillings and sixpence. 

Three per cent. Consols, 

and is for the benefit of pupils proceeding to the 

university of Oxford, Cambridge, or London. 

The mode of election to this scholarship is the same as 
in other cases, but with the following conditions : 

1. Candidates must have been in the school at least 
three years. 

2. The subjects of examination are classics ; EngUsh, 
Grecian, and Roman history ; and English literature, in- 
cluding an English essay. 

3 . The scholarship may be held for four years ; but it 
is not tenable with any other scholarship from this school 
which exceeds the annual value of 30/. 

4. The successful candidate must, within fifteen months 
from his election, matriculate at the university of Oxford, 
Cambridge, or London. 



181 



TEGG SCHOLARSHIP. 

The late Thomas Tegg, esq., of Cheapside, bookseller 
and publisher, for several years a member of the corpora- 
tion of London, being elected in 1836 to the office of sheriif, 
paid a fine of 400/. to be excused from serving; and the 
corporation directed the amount to be appropriated for the 
benefit of this school towards the estabhshment of an exhi- 
bition to one of the universities. In 1844, Mr. Tegg testi- 
fied his approval thereof by adding a contribution of 100/. 
The two amounts are invested in government securities, 
together with the interest accruing thereon from time to 
time, as an accumulating fund for a scholarship, to be called 
" The Tegg Scholarship." 

Mr. Tegg accompanied his donation with the gift of a 
large number of valuable and interesting books for the 
hbrary of the school ; and, on his decease in 1846, be- 
queathed, " in aid of the Tegg Scholarship," the reversion 
of one fourth part of the sum of 3000/. stock in government 
securities, contingent upon the decease of his son John 
Tegg without leaving any child or children, or, if leaving 
any such, then contingent upon the decease of all of them 
without previously attaining the age of twenty-one years, 
or marrying under that age with the consent of their pa- 
rents or guardians for the time being. 



182 



THE ST. THOMAS'S MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP. 

In the year 1855 the president, treasurer, governors, and 
medical and surgical officers of St. Thomas's Hospital agreed 
to place at the disposal of the City of London School and 
Merchant Tailors School annually, to be appropriated to 
each school alternately, for the advantage of such pupils as 
may be destined for the medical profession, a free presen- 
tation to the lectures and medical and surgical practice of 
the hospital. 

The election is determined by an examination in classics, 
mathematics, and modern languages. The successful can- 
didate is entitled to the advantages of the presentation for 
three years ; its value is estimated at from 90/. to 100/. He 
is required to become a matriculated student at the medical 
and surgical college of St. Thomas's Hospital within three 
months after election. 



THE GOLDSMITHS' EXHIBITION. 

In the year 1855 the Court of Assistants of the Company 
of Goldsmiths agreed to a resolution " that an exhibition 
'^ of 50/. per annum, during the pleasure of the court, be 
^' given to the City of London School ; and that the appoint- 
" ment of the exhibitioner shall be subject to the approval 
" of the court on the recommendation of the head master." 

The head master nominates as the exhibitioner the can- 
didate who is adjudged by the examiners of the school to 



183 

be most proficient in classical or mathematical knowledge 
(or botli), and has borne a character for good conduct. 
Candidates must have been in the school at least three 
years. The successful candidate must matriculate at Oxford 
or Cambridge within six months after election. The exhi- 
bition is tenable for four years from the date of matricula- 
tion, and may be held with any other exhibition or scholar- 
ship from the school which does not exceed the annual 
value of 30/. 



SHAKESPEARE PRIZES. 

The Committee having determined in 1850 that the mu- 
nificent hberality shown to the school by Henry Beaufoy, 
esq., should be annually commemorated by his birth-day 
being kept as a holiday, he was pleased, in consideration 
of that day (23d of April) happening to be also the anni- 
versary of the birth and death of Shakespeare, to offer a 
further benefaction of one thousand guineas, for the pur- 
pose of establishing a fund for prizes to be distributed annu- 
ally, with a view of promoting the following objects ; viz. 

" To commemorate the birth and genius of Shakespeare ; 
** and to encourage amongst the pupils a taste for reading 
" and studying the writings of so eminent a man, justly 
" styled * our great national bard,' whose works occupy 
" so prominent a position in English Uterature, and give a 
" clearer insight into the manners and customs of the Ehza- 
" bethan age than any other author ; and to make them 
" available to the pupils in the study of Enghsli history, and 



184 

" also as studies in comparison with the dramatic works 
" of ancient Greek writers, as well as the dramatic writers 
" of France and Germany and other countries." 

The above-mentioned sum has been invested in the pur- 
chase of 1081/. 1*. Id. stock in the Three per cent. Consols, 
the annual produce of which is apphcahle to the above 
objects, according to certain regulations prescribed by the 
deed of endowment. 



ARTHUR TAYLOR, 

PRINTER TO THE HONOURABLE CITY OF LONDON, 
M.DCCC.LVI. 




ADDENDA TO LIST OF PUPILS. 

Page 5. 
Richard Calver Hall. 

1856. Appointed clerk in Colonial Office on a competitive 
examination of six candidates by the Civil Service 
Commissioners. 

Page 8. 
Henry Howard Heaton. 

1856. Scholarship at Corpus Christi College. 

Page 10. 
Ernest Abraham Hart. 

1855. Appointed Non-resident Medical Officer of St. 

Mary^s Hospital. 

1856. Presented with a silver ink-stand by the Committee 

of Lecturers of the St. George's School of Ana- 
tomy and Medicine, " in testimony of valuable 
services as a Teacher of Anatomy." 



€itv of lonuon ^ci^ooL 



LIST OF PUPILS 

WHO HAVE PROCEEDED TO THE UNIVERSITIES, 

SPECIFYING THE COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY DISTINCTIONS 
OBTAINED BY THEM. 

1844 to 1856. 



GRADUATES. 



OXFORD. 



Henry Stuart Fagan (Salomons scholar). 

1845. Open scholarship at Pembroke College. 

1847. University mathematical scholarship. 

1850. Degree of B.A. Second class in classics ; first class 

in mathematics. 
— Elected Fellow of Pembroke College. 

[Now M.A. in holy orders, and Head Master of Market- 
Bosworth Grammar School ; late Head Master of Burton-on- 
Trent Grammar School.] 

William Woodward Mills (Times scholar). 

1853. Degree of B.A., Wadham College. 

[Now in holy orders, and Third Master in the Islington Pro- 
prietary Grammar School.] 

Job Ashton. 

1854. Degree of B.A., St. Edmund Hall. 



cAMBRinai:. 

William Emery (Times scholar). 

1844. Scholarship and prize at Corpus Christi College. 

1845. Another scholarship and prize. 

1846. Another prize. 

1847. Degree of B.A. Fifth Wrangler. 

— College prize, as the B.A. highest on the first tripos. 

— Elected Fellow of the College, 

1848. Assistant Tutor of ditto. 

1850. Pro-Proctor of the University. 

1851. Steward, Catechist, and Praelector of the College. 

1854. Dean of the College. 

— Member of the Caput of the University as Senior 

Regent. 

— Barnaby Lecturer on logic. 

1855. Tutor and Bursar of the College. 

[Now M.A., and in holy orders j Fellow, Tutor, Sfc, of 
Corpus Christi College ; and Fellow of the Cambridge Philo- 
sophical Society.] 

Henry Judge Hose (Carpenter and Beaufoy scholar). 

1845. Foundation sizarship at Trinity College. 

1846. Prizes at Easter and Michaelmas. 

1847. Foundation scholarship and prize. 

1848. Another prize. 

1849. Degree of B.A. Ninth Wrangler. 

— Dr. Walker's prize for the most deserving scholar 

at the time of taking Bachelor's degree. 
[Now M.A., and in holy orders ; Fellow of the Cambridge 
Philosophical Society, and Mathematical Master at St. Peter's 
College, Westminster ; editor of '* the Elements of Euclid, a 
new text, 1853," and author of '' a Graduated Series of Exer- 
cises on Euclid, 1855."] 

Thomas Holwell Cole (Carpenter scholar). 

1846. Mathematical prize and Foundation scholarship at 
Sidney-Sussex College. 



1847. College prizes for mathematics, divinity, Sfc.y at 

Midsummer and Christmas. 

1848. Mathematical prize, and Taylor's mathematical ex- 

hibition. 

1849. Degree of B.A. Twenty-sixth Wrangler. 
[Now M.A., Tutor at Hastings.] 

William Thomas Barry (Times scholar). 

1846. Foundation sizarship at Trinity College. 
1847- Prizes at Easter and Michaelmas. 
1851. Degree of B.A. 
[Now in holy orders, holding a curacy in Kent.] 

Leonard Benton Seeley (Beaufoy scholar), 

1849. Prizes at Easter and Michaelmas at Trinity College. 

1850. Foundation scholarship and prize. 

1851. Dr. Hooper's prize for English declamation, and 

college prize at Easter. 

1852. Degree of B.A. Fifth Wrangler ; first class in classi- 

cal tripos. 

— Wrangham prize, as commencing B.A. who had 

been in the first class at each of the three annual 
college examinations, and also in the first class of 
the mathematical and classical triposes. 

— Yeats's prize, as one of the scholars on the founda- 

tion who stood highest in the mathematical tripos. 

1853. Third in first class in moral sciences tripos, with 

moral philosophy prize. 

1854. Elected Fellow and Mathematical Lecturer of Tri- 

nity College. 

1855. Assistant Tutor. 

[Now M.A., Fellow and Assistant Tutor of Trinity College ; 
Member of the Hon. Society of Lincohi's Inn; B arris ter-at-Law.] 

George Farncomb Wright (Carpenter and Beaufoy 
scholar). 

1849. Prize and scholarship at Corpus Christi College. 

1850. Another prize. 



1851. Another prize. 

1852. Degree of B.A. Seventh Wrangler. 

— Prize as the B.A. ranking highest on the first tripos. 

— Elected Fellow of the college. 
1855. Catechist of ditto. 

[Now M.A. in holy orders. Fellow of Corpus Christi College ; 
FeDow of the Cambridge Philosophical Society ; and Mathema- 
tical Master at Shrewsbury Grammar School.] 

Joseph Sharpe. 

1849. Scholarship at Jesus College. 

1851. Second in first class in civil law. 

1852. 1 First in first class in moral sciences tripos, with 

1853. J moral philosophy prize. 

— Degree of LL.B. 

1855. University Examiner for the moral sciences tripos. 

[Member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple ; 
Barrister-at-Law] 

Alfred Bousfield. 

1850. Scholarship at Queen's College. 

1852. Degree of B.A. First junior optime in mathema- 

tical tripos. 

1853. First in second class in natural sciences tripos. 

William Cornell (Beaufoy scholar). 

1851 . Mathematical prize and scholarship at Caius College. 

1852. Prize and scholarship at Clare Hall. 

1853. Another prize. 

1854. Degree of B.A. Twenty-seventh Wrangler ; third 

class in classical tripos. 

— College prize of silver cup. 

1855. Third in first class in moral sciences tripos. 

[Selected candidate for an appointment to the civil service in 
India ; second in the order of merit of twenty candidates selected 
by examination in 1855.] 



John Middleton Hare (Beaufoy scholar). 

1851. Prize, Foundation scholarship, and exhibition at 

St. John^s College. 

1852. Another prize. 

1854. Degree of B.A. Thirty-eighth Wrangler. 
[Clerk in the War Office ; first in order of merit in the exa- 
mination for the appointment, 1855 ; author of a *' Letter to 
the Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Decimal 
Coinage Question," 1855.] 

Francis Cuthbertsont (Beaufoy scholar). 

1852. Scholarship at Corpus Christi College. 

1853. Prize. 

1854. Ditto. 

1855. Degree of B.A. Fourth Wrangler. 

[Second Master of the City of London School, elected 12th 
December, 1855.] 

Richard Calver Hall (Beaufoy scholar). 

1853. Prize and scholarship at Jesus College. 

1854. Another prize. 

— First in first class in college examination. 

1855. Ditto, and first prize. 

1856. Degree of B.A. Twenty-sixth Wrangler. 



liOXDonr. 

Ebenezer Rust Edger (Travers scholar). 

1847. Prize in senior class in natural philosophy at Uni- 
versity College. 
— Second in University matriculation examination for 
honours in mathematics and natural philosophy. 

1849. First class in examination for degree of B.A., and 
third in list of candidates for mathematical 
honours. 

1851. First prize in class of jurisprudence. 



Thomas Lawford Lingham, King's College. 

1851. First class in examination for matriculation. 
1853. Ditto for degree of B.A. 
[Late Assistant Master in the City of London School ; now 
in holy orders, holding a curacy.] 

George Lingham (Travers scholar) King's College. 

1851. First class in examination for matriculation. 
1853. Elected Associate of King's College. 

— First class in examination for degree of B.A. 

George Lidgett. 

1851. First class in examination for matriculation. 

1853. Ditto for degree of B.A. 

John Christian Hose. 

1852. First class in examination for matriculation. 

1854. Prize in divinity at King's College. 

— Elected Associate of King's College. 

— First class in examination for degree of B.A. 

William YounG;, University College. 

1853. First class in examination for matriculation, with 

classical honours. 

1854. Certificates of honour in senior class in Latin, extra 

class in Greek, and higher junior class in mathe- 
matics. 

1855. Certificate of honour in senior Latin class ; and se- 

cond prize and second certificate in senior Greek 
class . 

— Degree of B.A. ; first division in examination ; and 

third place in examination for honours in classics. 

Frederick Storrs Turner, New College. 

1853, Passed matriculation examination. 
1854 College prize. 

1855. Degree of B.A. First division in examination. 



UNDER GRADUATES. 

OXFORD, 

John Andrew Ferris. 

1854. Entered at St. Edmund Hall. 

CAMBRIDO^i:. 

Stephenson Barry (Beaufoy scholar). 

1849. Died in the first term of his residence at Trinity 
College. 

John Robert Seeley (Carpenter scholar). 

1853. Prize, and additional reward, in annual examina- 

tion at Christ's College. 

— Scholarship. 

1854. Prize for Latin verse (Lent term). 

— First in classics in college examination. 

1855. First prize in voluntary classical examination, with 

an additional reward. 

James Henry Bridge (Beaufoy scholar). 

1854. Prize at Sidney-Sussex College. 

— First in mathematics in college examination. 

1855. Ditto, gratuity of 10/. 

— Foundation scholarship, and Taylor exhibition of 

60/. per annum. 

Thomas Skelton (Salomons scholar). 

1854. Scholarship at Queen's College. 

— First in first class in mathematics in college exa- 

mination. 

— Divinity prize. 



8 

1855. First in first class in mathematics, and sole prizeman. 

— Scholarship of increased value. 

Samuel Jacob Lidgett. 

1854. Prize at Trinity College. 

Charles Bradford Wardale. 

1854. Prize at St. Catherine's Hall, Cambridge. 

Frederick Charles Wage (Beaufoy scholar). 

1854. First class in annual examination at St. John's Col- 

lege. 

1855. Second in first class at examination, prize of 50/., 

and Wood's exhibition of 40/. ayear. 

— Open scholarship on Lady Margaret's foundation. 

— First of his year in December examination. 

Samuel Savage Lewis (Carpenter and Times scholar). 

1854. First class in annual examination at St. John's Coll. 

1855. Prize. 

[Subsequently obliged by ill-health to leave the University.] 

Christian Mortimer (Carpenter scholar). 
1855. Second prizeman at Clare College. 

Frederick Brown (Carpenter and Beaufoy scholar). 

1855. Entered at Trinity College. 

Edgar Sanderson. 

1856. Open scholarship at Clare College. 



I 



John Phillipson Langham^ University College. 

1849. Passed first examination for degree of M.B., with 

honours in anatomy and physiology. 
[Appointed in 1854 Assistant Surgeon in the Army (7th Fusi- 
leers). Died of fever at Scutari in February, 1855.] 

William Lewis (Salomons scholar). 

1850. Mathematical, natural philosophy, and Latin prizes 

at University College. 

— Andrew scholarship at ditto. 

Abraham Barnett. 

1850. Certificate of honour in senior class for pure mathe- 

matics at University College. 

— Ditto, in junior class, for natural philosophy. 

1851. First class in examination for matriculation. 

— Second of ten candidates for honours in mathematics 

and natural philosophy. 

Robert Masters Theobald, M.A., Glasgow University. 

1852. Matriculated student in faculty of medicine at Uni- 

versity College. 
1854. Certificates of honour in chemistry, and in materia 
medica and therapeutics. 

— Passed first examination for degree of M.B. 

Alfred Woodforde. 

1852. Passed matriculation examination in the University 
of London. 

— Matriculated as student in the faculty of medicine 

at University College. 

1854. Certificates of honour in chemistry, and in senior 

class in botany. 

1855. Second silver medal and third certificate in chemis- 

try, and gold medal and first certificate in botany. 



10 

William Green. 

1852. First class in examination for matriculation. 

[Assistant Mathematical Master in the Royal Naval School, 

New Cross.] 

Edward Rider Cook, University College. 

1853. First class in examination for matriculation, with 

honours in chemistry. 

1854. Certificate of honour in higher junior class in mathe- 

matics. First silver medal and second certificate 
of honour as Birkbeck laboratory student in fa- 
culty of medicine. 
— First silver medal and second certificate of honour 
in analytical chemistry in faculty of arts and 
laws. 

Ernest Abraham Hart (Lambert Jones scholar). 

1853. (Summer session). First prize for botany, and se- 

cond prize for practical chemistry, at the St. 
George's School of Medicine and Anatomy. 
1853. TC'W inter session). First prize in philosojjhical che- 

1854. J mistry, and second prize, or first honorary certi- 

cate, in practical anatomy. 
1854. (Summer session). The prizes in the classes of ma- 
teria medica (bracketed, double prize), of practi- 
cal chemistry, and of junior midwifery ; and the 
second prize, or honorary certificate, in the class 
of medical jurisprudence. 

1854. KWinter session). The gold medal in the senior class 

1855. J of anatomy, physiology, and physiological chemis- 

try ; the prizes in clinical surgery, and m clinical 
medicine (bracketed, prize divided) ; the prize in 
the class of practice of medicine ; and the first 
prize in the class of practice of surgery. 
1855. Appointed Lecturer and Demonstrator in Ana- 
tomy at St. George's School of Medicine and 
Anatomy. 



11 

Alexander Waugh Young (Carpenter andTravers scholar). 

1855. Prize and first certificate in loAver senior class in 
matliematics at University College; certificates 
of honour in senior Latin class, and senior Greek 
class. 
— Passed University matriculation examination in ho- 
nours ; in mathematics fifth, and in classics first 
(bracketed) . 

Charles Jenken Elwin, Medical and Surgical College, 
St Thomas's Hospital. 

1855. Practical prize in midwifery, and appointment as 
Clinical Clerk. 

Leonard Goddard (St. Thomas's Medical scholar). 

1855. Prize of 201. on matriculation at the Medical and 
Surgical College, St. Thomas's Hospital, for 
classical and mathematical proficiency. 

Edward Hegley Byas, King's College. 

1855. Passed the University matriculation examination. 

William Cawthorne Unwin, New College. 

1855. Passed the University matriculation examination, 
with honours in chemistry. 

Thomas Grace Phillips. 

1855. Passed the University matriculation examination. 



itueen'js llniversity, Ireland. 

Edward Divers, Queen's College, Galway. 

1855. Matriculated student, holding a science scholarship. 



Taylor, Printer, 39, Coleman street. 



LbS?9 



